The I-247 INTERPOL Information System with the Department of Immigration is now live and officials are now able to access real time information shared by more than 190 member countries.

Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho acknowledged INTERPOL’s support in extending the I-247 system to other law enforcement agencies in Fiji.

“Immigration officials now have direct access to the INTERPOL Information System for officers to conduct real time search/check, sharing of information on crimes and criminals, names, fingerprints to stolen passports”.

Qiliho says the sharing of information is vital, and INTERPOL has for decades assisted the Fiji Police Force in tackling transnational crime.

“Fiji has been a member of INTERPOL since 1971 and we have benefitted greatly through Police to police cooperation efforts and training opportunities and the extension of its services to the Immigration Department is another major boost in tackling transnational crime and an added security platform for the nation whereby as the hub of travel into the Pacific we will also be able to help our neighboring island nations being the first to have the system”.

The database will also help in information and intelligence gathering efforts in regards to the threats of terrorism in securing our borders especially since Fiji’s reputation as an ideal location for hosting global meetings continues to grow.

The Fiji Police has had access to the I-247 system since 2004 and a request made to Government by the Commissioner of Police to extend the database system to the Department of Immigration was approved and facilitated this year.