Though being as big as Lantau Island and with a population of only 60,000, Samoa was extremely keen to learn how to investigate IT crime. So it readily volunteered to host the 2nd Interpol "Train-the-Trainer" Workshop on IT Crime Investigation.

The weeklong workshop was arranged by the Interpol Asia South Pacific Working Party on IT Crime, following the successful inaugural workshop held in Seoul, South Korea, in November last year.

SIP Jackson acted as Course Director for the workshop, which was held in a temporary IT training classroom in a hotel. On arrival he immediately met other trainers from the FBI (Honolulu), Australian Federal Police, Japanese National Police and American Samoa, and divided the responsibilities for training sessions.

The workshop itself attracted 20 participants from the Mainland, India, Fiji, Guam, Australia and American Samoa. They were trained on a variety of topics such as e-mail and Internet tracing, Internet fraud investigation, knowledge of computer crime and child pornography investigation. As it was a train-the-trainer programme, the course also taught the trainees how to develop similar programmes within their own jurisdictions.

"With many of the training materials originating from the Force's own series of professional training courses, it was a good opportunity to highlight the progress that we have made in this area," SIP Jackson noted.

"Hosting the programme in such an unusual location meant a few cultural adjustments for many of the participants, including myself. It was the first time that I have participated in a training programme where the dress code was "Aloha" shirts (colourful shirts which are the national dress in Samoa for formal occasions). Another first was the final certificate presentation ceremony, which was held on a tropical beach!

"Throughout the week, the hospitality and warmth of the welcome from the hosts were very evident. Special traditional functions were held in a variety of locations, which enabled everyone to get to know each other, share information and foster new ties among the various IT crime investigation units that were represented. This was a special occasion for American Samoa, and they were determined to make the most of the opportunity."

SIP Jackson said that at the conclusion of the programme, the feedback from the participants was unanimously positive and highlighted the need for such training to tackle the transnational nature of IT Crime.

"This helped make the long journey to American Samoa worthwhile, and it's an experience that will stay with me for a very long time, as will all the friendships that I made on this extraordinary visit," he added.

SIP Jackson (right) has made many friends at the Interpol workshop