Pacific Police Chiefs Form Unified PACPOL Organization
Delegates from 20 nations voted to create a new regional policing body to enhance security and operational cooperation.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Pacific police chiefs have officially voted to establish the Pacific Community of Policing, known as PACPOL, to unify regional security efforts. The new organization will integrate the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and the Pacific Policing Initiative under a single leadership board.
Why it matters
The formation of PACPOL provides a centralized platform for member nations to coordinate regional security and deliver shared policing priorities. This transition marks a significant shift from design to active implementation for regional law enforcement cooperation.
The vote occurred during the 53rd Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference, formalizing a new organizational structure for regional forces. This decision builds upon 56 years of collaborative policing history among the participating nations.
The players
David Manning
He serves as the inaugural Chair of PACPOL and plays a central role in leading the newly unified regional police leadership.
Matatia Makaili
He was elected as the Deputy Chair of PACPOL to support the organization's governance and regional security mission.
The details
The new body is governed by a single Chiefs Leadership Board, with David Manning elected as the inaugural Chair and Matatia Makaili serving as Deputy Chair. Existing infrastructure, including the PPI Hub in Brisbane and the PICP Secretariat, will be transitioned to serve the new PACPOL framework.
Timeline
The vote to establish PACPOL took place on October 14, 2026.
Legal Context
The creation of PACPOL integrates the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and the Pacific Policing Initiative into a single unified framework. This structural consolidation replaces disparate regional entities with a centralized body to streamline policing standards.
The transition to a unified PACPOL framework aims to enhance operational cooperation across the Pacific, potentially leading to more consistent security protocols for member territories. Residents in these regions may see more coordinated responses to shared law enforcement challenges.
The takeaway
The formation of PACPOL represents a strategic shift toward a more integrated regional approach to law enforcement in the Pacific. Member nations are now moving to implement this unified structure to address long-term policing priorities collectively.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest regional developments in Law Enforcement.
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