Eighteen Pacific nations convened in Tonga to enhance regional forensic collaboration.
The Pacific Forensic Working Group (PFWG) held its annual meeting from 8–10 April 2025 in Nuku’alofa, Tonga. Representatives from 18 Pacific countries gathered to discuss forensic challenges, share solutions, and explore opportunities tailored for the Pacific region.
Julian Bianco, Executive Coordinator of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) Secretariat, emphasised the significance of forensic capabilities, stating, “Capable forensics is a key priority of the PICP, due to the cross-cutting support forensics provides to investigating and prosecuting a wide gambit of crimes, from Transnational Organised Crime to Gender and Family Harm.”
During his visit to Tonga, Bianco met with Tonga Police Commissioner Shane McLennan, the immediate past chair of the PICP, and representatives from Tonga Police’s Women’s Advisory Network, Road Safe Pacific, and the Transnational Crime Unit. He acknowledged their integral roles in advancing Pacific policing leadership.
The PFWG, supported by the Australian Federal Police, serves as a crucial mechanism for promoting sustainable forensic practices across the Pacific. The group’s initiatives aim to strengthen the region’s ability to address diverse criminal activities through enhanced forensic collaboration.
