Overview:
Palau is preparing to bolster security for the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting with about 100 law enforcement officers from other Pacific jurisdictions. Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil previously said at a presidential press conference that the officers are expected to assist with security during the Aug. 30-Sept. 3 summit. President Surangel Whipps Jr. has now formally authorized the foreign officers to serve as police in Palau during the event.
By: L.N. Reklai
KOROR, Palau (August 20, 2026) — President Surangel Whipps Jr. has authorized law enforcement officers from other Pacific jurisdictions to serve as police officers in Palau during the 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting, as the country prepares for heightened security demands during the regional summit.
Minister of Justice Jennifer Olegeriil previously reported at a presidential press conference that Palau expects about 100 law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions to assist with security during the Aug. 30 to Sept. 3 meeting.
The additional officers will support Palau’s security operations as the country faces a shortage of police personnel and prepares to host Pacific leaders and senior officials for the 55th PIFLM.
Palau has requested assistance from the Pacific Police Support Group, a multi-jurisdictional police unit that provides law enforcement support among Pacific countries.
Under a memorandum of understanding, Palau, as a member of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police, may request assistance from Pacific police organizations through the deployment of the specially trained Pacific Police Support Group to carry out planned policing operations.
Palau law provides a legal basis for law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions to exercise police authority while serving in the country. The law defines a policeman as “any person authorized by the President to act as ‘a policeman.’”
Whipps issued Presidential Directive No. 26-71 authorizing law enforcement officers from other jurisdictions to serve as policemen and policewomen in Palau during the 55th PIFLM.
The officers will work under the direction of Bureau of Public Safety Director Curtis Elobt. Their authority will remain in effect for the duration of the event and will cease when the meeting concludes or earlier if they are formally relieved of duty by the president or the director of public safety.
The deployment is intended to bolster Palau’s law enforcement capacity during the leaders meeting and ensure sufficient security personnel are available for the major regional event.
The 55th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting will bring Pacific leaders and other senior officials to Koror from Aug. 30 to Sept. 3.