THE Royal Solomon Islands police force (RSIPF) is now taking a leading role in policing in the country, a step described by RAMSI Special Coordinator Justine Braithwaite as a move to become a modern, professional and independent police force.
In her message marking the 11 years of the partnership between RAMSI and Solomon Islands government yesterday Ms Braithwaite said it should be noted that RAMSI police have stepped back from front-line or ‘everyday’ policing here.
“It is RSIPF officers who are now completing day-to-day police work and who are responsible for promoting and ensuring law and order across the country.”
She said RAMSI has been providing strategic capacity development support to the local force over the years.
“This is so that it can become a modern, professional and independent police force which has the full confidence and support of all Solomon Islanders.”
She pointed out that the skills of the local force have been on display throughout this year and in recent months.
“The force has squared off against many challenges. Your police helped to quell the violence at the Julian Marley concert in January, managed the security situation in Honiara during the floods in April and successfully dispersed a riot on the outskirts of Honiara in May.
“The RSIPF’s professional handling of these incidents highlights just how far the force has come in terms of its public order management abilities.”
The RAMSI boss further highlighted the organisation is now one year through a four-year program of substantial capacity development assistance to the RSIPF which will run until 2017.
“We are investing in people, helping to build the skills of RSIPF officers and ensure the highest professional standards through a comprehensive program of training.”
These targeted areas included leadership training and development; community policing; mobility, infrastructure and logistics; national emergency and disaster response; accountability and discipline; corporate and financial management; policy and governance; and improved national security capabilities.
By MOFFAT MAMU
