On Guam, law enforcement officers from across the Pacific are taking part in an intensive homicide investigations certification, led by the International Homicide Investigators Association. With approximately 150 officers participating, the training brings together agencies from nations like Guam, Palau, American Samoa, Nauru, Saipan, the Federated States of Micronesia, and Kiribati to enhance their investigative skills. 

For homicide detectives, every case is a puzzle. Each piece matters, and so does every officer working to solve it. These two weeks of courses is more than just skill-building - it’s about collaboration, resilience, and upholding justice.  Director of training Dave Eddy told KUAM News, "The IHIA is a worldwide professional non-profit organization and it's our mission to provide training, leadership, resources and networking opportunities for investigators across the world."

About 150 are participating from various law enforcement agencies. They have been able to take part in basic homicide investigations, designed for new detectives, to advanced homicide and violent crimes, focusing on complex cases like mass killings and serial crimes. The IHIA has partnered-up with the Guam Police Department to make such training opportunities possible for people like Detective Britton Cruz from the CNMI Department of Public Safety and Criminal Investigations Bureau, who has been with agency for six years.

"Thanks to GPD," Cruz explained, "they invited us over and we've been going through instructions regarding homicide training investigations. It showed me how little I know about homicide training and investigations training. Everything can be adaptable and thankfully because of GPD, I am able to take this knowledge back to the CNMI and teach my detectives, as well." Cruz adding he is grateful for his command staff for their support and allowing him to come out for the training.

One who traveled the farthest was Danlobendahn Botelanga with the Nauru Police Force, and has been for 21 years, saying, "What I learned here I'm going to bring it back home and share it back home."

But it’s not just about techniques. The training embraces the principle of inafa’maolek - a CHamoru concept meaning “making good.” It represents harmony, interdependence, and the belief that justice is a shared responsibility. Officers here aren’t just preparing for their next case. They’re committing to a lifelong mission - to uphold peace, protect the innocent, and ensure justice prevails.

With these lessons and this spirit of unity, these detectives will return to their communities more prepared than ever to serve and protect.

Eddy continued, "One of the most exciting parts for us, we have about 3,000 professional active members around the world and after this training event, we're going to add about 150 more members to the IHIA. That is 150 more individuals who have a little bit more investigative training. Who have a few more resources and tools in their toolbox to use in making the world a better place."