The Nevada National Guard (NVNG) has announced a Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE) with the Samoa Prison and Corrections Services. This initiative is designed to enhance the professional skills of law enforcement and corrections personnel in Samoa. The exchange, occurring this week, continues the collaboration between NVNG and the Samoa Prisons and Corrections Services under the Ministry of Police and Prisons.
The SMEE will cover topics crucial for developing effective law enforcement strategies. Participants will delve into leadership characteristics, mental health fitness, prison operations, and basic defense tactics. The primary aim is to share techniques and best practices to improve understanding of law enforcement methods in various scenarios, especially under stress or limited resources.
In its first iteration last September, 30 corrections officers participated. This time, an additional 90 participants are expected. This effort underscores the commitment of the Deputy Commissioner of SPCS to enhance Samoa Corrections Services' capabilities and reflects ongoing friendship between Samoa and the United States.
This engagement is part of a broader strategic effort initiated during a country analysis conducted in February 2024. This analysis identified police, corrections, and mental health as primary areas of focus. It laid the foundation for the partnership formed between Nevada and Samoa in July 2024.
The NVNG and SPCS aim to equip law enforcement personnel with skills necessary for modern public safety challenges.