New Era for Pacific Policing-Police Chiefs Endorse PACPOL

In a landmark decision that will shape the future of policing across the Pacific, the region's Pacific Police Chiefs have endorsed the Constitution of the Pacific Community of Policing known as PACPOL, formally establishing a new era of Pacific-led policing cooperation.

The vote was held yesterday (14 October 2026) during the 53rd Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP) Conference 2026 in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands.

Conference members included Pacific chiefs or their delegates, from American Samoa, Australia, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), Cook Islands, Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), Fiji, French Polynesia, Guam, Kiribati, Marshall Islands, Naoero, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Tokelau, Tonga, Tuvalu and Vanuatu. Also, in attendance was newest member Wallis and Futuna, who was voted in as the organisation’s 23rd member.

With the establishment of PACPOL, members elected the inaugural PACPOL Chair, Commissioner David Manning MBE, Ost.J, DPS, QPM, from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary.

The appointment of Commissioner Manning MBE, Ost.J, DPS, QPM reflects the confidence and trust of Pacific police leaders in his leadership and commitment to regional cooperation, as PACPOL begins a new chapter in strengthening a safer, more connected, capable and resilient Pacific.

Chiefs also elected the inaugural PACPOL Deputy Chair, Commissioner Matatia Makaili of the Tuvalu Police Service.

Commissioner Makaili brings a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing our region, particularly Small Island Developing States. His appointment strengthens PACPOL’s commitment to a connected, capable and resilient Pacific policing family.

The endorsement marks the culmination of more than 56 years of regional policing collaboration and unifies the PICP and the Pacific Policing Initiative (PPI) under the single, Pacific-owned umbrella and oversight of PACPOL.

PACPOL will mark a significant step forward in Pacific policing coordination, governance, capacity and capability building along with global engagement, and reflects the collective vision of Pacific Police Chiefs to strengthen regional security, enhance operational cooperation, and providing a united platform for coordinating and delivering Pacific policing priorities.

PACPOL represents the next chapter in Pacific policing, bringing together regional leadership, capability development, operational coordination and strategic governance under one organisation, guided by the principle of ‘By the Pacific, for the Pacific’.

The endorsement of the PACPOL Constitution transitions PACPOL from concept and design to implementation, providing the foundation for how PACPOL will operate, govern, make decisions and deliver on regional policing priorities.

Chair of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and Commissioner of the Northern Mariana Islands Department of Public Safety, Anthony Macaranas, said this was an historic moment for Pacific policing. New Era for Pacific Policing: Police Chiefs Endorse PACPOL | 15 October 2026 Page 2 of 2
“The endorsement of the PACPOL Constitution demonstrates the collective leadership, unity and ambition of Pacific Police Chiefs to strengthen our region's policing architecture,” Commissioner Macaranas said.

“PACPOL is a clear statement that Pacific nations are taking the lead in shaping their own policing future. By bringing together our existing institutions, capabilities and partnerships under one identity, we are creating a stronger platform to address emerging challenges, support our communities and protect the sovereignty of Pacific nations."

Inaugural Chair of PACPOL and Commissioner of the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary David Manning MBE, Ost. J, DPS, QPM said PACPOL would strengthen regional capability, coordination and collaboration at a time when Pacific policing faced increasingly complex challenges.

“Through a unified approach, we can better develop our people, share expertise, enhance operational readiness and work together to respond to threats that no single jurisdiction can address alone,” Commissioner Manning said.

"The endorsement of the Constitution provides a strong foundation for practical outcomes that enhance safety, resilience and security across the Pacific."

Acting Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) Mr James Aitorea said,

“The security of the Pacific is a shared responsibility. Through unity, collaboration, and Pacific-led policing partnerships, we can build safer, more resilient communities and effectively address the complex transnational threats facing our Blue Pacific region."

Acting Commissioner Aitorea emphasised the importance of engaging pacific island countries in these efforts, ensuring that everyone plays a role in enhancing safety and security for the Blue Pacific.

PACPOL will be led by a single Chiefs Leadership Board, which replaces the previous separate governance arrangements of the PICP and PPI. The Chiefs Leadership Board will provide strategic oversight of PACPOL and its regional priorities.

The existing PPI Hub in Pinkenba, Brisbane, and the current PICP Secretariat will transition to become the PACPOL Hub and PACPOL Secretariat, ensuring continuity while supporting a more connected and effective regional policing model.

PACPOL advances Pacific-led policing solutions, that protect the region’s sovereignty. PACPOL will amplify the impact and voice of Pacific policing regionally, and across the world.

The establishment of PACPOL represents a new era for Pacific policing cooperation.