POLICE say they are ready to deal with any security issues that may arise during the November 19 elections.
Police Response Team training coordinator, Lionel Kapisa, made the assurance yesterday in front of the police executives, diplomats, and guests.
“We have done all the trainings and believe we can handle any situation that may arise in Honiara or in the provinces,” Mr Kapisa said.
His comments came on a day police publicly displayed their responsive capabilities to deal with law and order situations.
This was after all emergency response units and teams from Western, Malaita, Guadalcanal and Honiara underwent training in the capital over the past days.
Caretaker Minister of Police and National Security, Chris Laore said was pleased with the police readiness.
“This is a positive sign,” he said.
“I believe you can to do everything with that capability during the elections,” Mr Laore added.
He urged the officers to be neutral in their duties and ensure to uphold the law at all times, especially during the national elections.
“In doing your duty, it is important that you do it for your country. There is no room for favoritisms and wantokism, do it with diligence in the interest of the country.”
Participating Police Force (PPF) commander, Greg Harrigan, said he was pleased to see the officers in the state they are in ahead of the elections.
“RSIPF should be praised for their timely response shown during the display and I am sure they will with any uprisings,” Mr Harrigan said.
PFF assisted in the training of the Rapid Response Teams.
Acting Assistant Commissioner National Capital, Gabriel Manelusi said this is history for Solomon Islands and an achievement for the RSIPF response teams and units in terms of the force capability.
“It is important that this message be passed or carried with accuracy to our communities and villages,” Mr Manelusi said.
“This is the capability that the RSIPF has in its focus towards security during the national general elections and we are confident of containing any land and order situations.”
By BRADFORD THEONOMI
