ABOUT 44 Australian Federal Police (AFP) officers who will remain after RAMSI exit will be stationed here as advisors within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
This was revealed on Thursday after a brief meeting following the bilateral agreement between the Solomon Islands Government and Australian Government in terms of policing
The brief meeting on Thursday was between the Australian Minister for Justice Michael Keenan, Solomon Islands Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Service Stanley Sofu and Police Commissioner Matthew Varley.
When asked what the roles of the 44 AFP are for the next four years, Mr Sofu said their role is to provide advice.
“They will be deployed to various divisions in the RSIPF,” Mr Sofu said.
Adding to that, Mr Varley said the role of the 44 advisors will be to continue the capacity development and the skill building of the RSIPF investigators.
“But we still have a very close operational partnership with the AFP, so things like forensic assistance to our new forensic centre can be complimented by experts in Australia.
“That will continue and that is normal police cooperation between police forces,” he explained.
Mr Keenan said the important message of the 44 AFP remaining in the country is that Australia remains deeply committed to the security here in Solomon Islands.
He said he talked with Mr Sofu about the relationship between the Australian Government and the Solomon Islands government on post RAMSI.
“I think the important message is Australia remains deeply committed to security here in Solomon Islands.
“Although the RAMSI mission is ending, the relationship between the AFP and the RSIPF remains incredibly strong.
“We will be keeping as part of the agreement and moving forward for the 1st of July, 44 Australian Federal police officers here in advisory capacity within the Solomon Islands.
“They will be able to maintain their close relationship and their mentoring role for the RSIPF.”
He said it is clear to him about the improvements with the RSIPF and about how significant their capacity is now.
“We have great faith in their ability to be able to provide security for Solomon Islands.”
He said with the RAMSI mission ending, that does not mean the end of the strong relationship between Australian police and Solomon Islands police.
When asked about the capability if the RSIPF, Mr Keenan added that the capacity of the RSIPF has been increasing significantly.
He added that is evident with the opening of the new Forensic facility which will not only the leading facility in the Solomon Islands but will be a leading Forensic facility for the whole region.
Mr Keenan said seeing all the facilities within the Rove Police Headquarters, the capacity of the RSIPF is now very strong and the community should have great confidence in their ability and look forward.
“The conclusion of RAMSI shows we are very confident in the ability of the Solomon Islands government and the RSIPF to provide security to their people.”
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
