ROYAL Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has commissioned six brand new D-Max Isuzu vehicles, Thursday.
The vehicles were supplied by United Auto Ltd in Honiara.
Speaking during a short handing over ceremony Thursday, Commissioner Mathew Varley said those vehicles are part of the upgrade and replacement plan that have been put in place for the police fleet.
The RSIPF operates a fleet of around 110 vehicles across the country and it’s a very large fleet but also a very large police force.
“We have a lot of planning and preparations in place to make sure we are doing what we can to upgrade and replace the fleet for our front line operations areas.
“Obviously, modern policing requires mobile and responsive police force that we can move our officers to be around and vehicle fleet is very important for that,” he added.
He said the six vehicles costed around $SBD 1.9 million and another seven is on their way from the Toyota which will add up to 13 with SBD$4.5 million in total.
“The vehicles are robust, tough, heavy duty and are purpose fitted with police lights and sirens, not only to undertake police duties but also to create a high visibility presence in the communities.
“Those vehicles will be very important to the front line operations and they will be out there on the streets involved in things like traffic duties, general duties and responds and also to assist the close protection team,” Varley added.
He said the addition of those vehicles is also part of their ongoing preparations towards the upcoming National General Elections.
“Obviously, those vehicles are big step forward for us in terms of election preparation as our focus for the moment,” he said.
Meanwhile, United Auto Ltd General Manager Richard Carrick when handing over the keys to the Commissioner said United Auto is very pleased to be the supplier of the six vehicles.
“United Auto Ltd wishes to thank the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) along with the team from Solomon Islands Police Development Programme for choosing Izuzu De Max to support police operation in the country,” he said.
Carrick said they have a diverse range of Izuzu that provide different types of vehicles and they are proud to be one of the top distributors in the country.
The new vehicles were commissioned and blessed by Reverend Father Eddie Rubaha of the Anglican Church of Melanesia (ACOM).
