The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) progressed in its commitment to bringing positive changes through a successful induction of 40 young and enthusiastic police recruits into the organisation this week.
A statement from the Police Media Unit said, this recruitment program is named the Sir Albert Palmer Recruit.
The naming of a recruit program after states people and senior citizens of this country was an initiative introduced by the RSIPF Executive through the Police Academy in 2012.
“The aim of having to name recruit courses is so that recruits can reflect on such person as a role model through his or her authority, responsibility and the type person in terms of Integrity, Leadership, Respect and Discipline.
“In this case, the recruits are privileged to have had the Chief Justices, Sir Albert Palmer, allowing his name to be used for this recruit program. This will certainly promote patriotism and motivate the recruits to work harder and to be successful.”
The statement noted that public confidence in respect to policing is generally associated with positive policing in the community.
“However, apart from hard working frontline officers, the recruitment of young Solomon Islanders into the police is also a cause for celebration and public support, particularly when the current recruit pooled in representatives from all provinces in the Solomon Islands.
“Additionally, the recruit not only offers representations from every province but also a considerable representation of the women of Solomon Islands.”
Speaking during the opening on Tuesday Commissioner Frank Prendergast stated that such inclusive participation from across the country and gender indicates that even from the very start, the RSIPF endeavours to achieve fairness and impartiality.
“Such all-encompassing recruitment can actually inspire and build public confidence in the RSIPF.
“I am pleased to see that a total of 40 recruits from all provinces have been accepted into the program and 10 out of the recruits are females,” Mr Prendergast said. “It is important that the RSIPF reflects the community.”
The new recruits will undergo 20 weeks of intensive instruction and training in a comprehensive range of policing related skills and essential legal training to prepare them for their future roles as police officers.
The recruit program will be coordinated and delivered by the Police Academy staff but there will also be specialist instructors and visiting external agencies that have been invited to assist with the program.
The program has been extended and designed to produce professional, knowledgeable and well-disciplined police officers.
When officially opening the recruit program, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Frank Prendergast told the recruits that Academy life would be a different experience and would present challenges to all. This is no coincidence as the training is designed to test and challenge their personal values, their commitment and their ability to embrace new ideas and apply newly acquired policing skills.
Commissioner Prendergast also explained that the RSIPF is working towards enhancing and improving the way it delivers policing services in line with community expectations.
“The revised recruit package not only reflects the laws of the Solomon Islands but also how we as police officers need to work with the community. This is crucial in ensuring that the RSIPF continues to earn the trust and confidence of the public.”
Commissioner Prendergast told the recruits that it will not be an easy course and they will be required to fully commit themselves to the recruit program.
“I ask you to commit yourselves to learning and to behave at all times in a professional manner that reflects well on the RSIPF.
“I make no apology for this as not only myself but the community expects a high level of commitment and integrity from you when you successfully completed the program and join other members of the RSIPF in undertaking this very challenging job,” he said.
Mr Prendergast encouraged the recruits emphasizing that the positive aspect of the recruitment program is that it is designed to assist participants to achieve and acquire a high level of commitment and integrity.
“I know that the Academy staff will help you wherever possible but it is also up to every one of you to ask for help if you are having some difficulties with any aspect of your training,” Commissioner Prendergast informed the assembled recruits.
The recruits were also told that to be successful in the course they will have to adhere to Academy Standing Orders but it is also crucial that they work together as a team and support each other.
“As your training progresses, I will be expecting you all to display absolute integrity, accountability, courage, responsibility and leadership,” Commissioner Prendergast said, reminding the recruits as he declares the recruit program open.