Solomon Islands is a relatively peaceful nation after 14 years of the intervention by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
But in a presentation to the 9th Australian-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Honiara on Tuesday (25 July 2017), Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Matthew Varley said: “Social disadvantage, unemployment, lack of services and weak regulatory systems create opportunities and incentives for crime.”
“Solomon Islands also experiences occasional incidents of civil disorder, and other crimes such as robbery, theft and family violence which are often related to alcohol and kwaso (illegal substance) abuse,” said Commissioner Varley.
Mr Varley added: “Violent crimes occur but are generally spontaneous or related to personal or social disputes. Serious crime such as fraud and corruption are evident, while higher level of crime, such as money laundering is emerging.
The common crime types in Solomon Islands include crime against persons, property crimes, crimes against public morality, lawful authority, statute and traffic offences.
To address the crime in Solomon Islands, the RSIPF Commissioner says RSIPF is implementing the Crime Prevention Strategy working in close partnership with stakeholders and the community.
“We want to build closer partnerships with stakeholders such as the Solomon Islands Chamber of Commerce and Industries who have expertise in cash handling, anti-corruption measures, resource and land management,” said Commissioner Varley.
In its efforts to increase its capability to continue to provide security in Solomon Islands, the RSIPF continues with its recruitment process, improve its infrastructure, rearmed two specialist units of the Force, built a new armoury, opened a new forensic facility, improve its information and communication capability, improve Fire and Rescue, created a new portfolio of Crime in the Force’s structure and is seeking membership of Interpol.
“All of this has contributed to a safer community and further business investment in Solomon Islands will further strengthen the community, grow employment and reduce drivers of crime,” Mr Varley said.
