Dear Editor,
More than two decades ago when I took over command of the then Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF) public trust in the local police force was low, exacerbated by a critical shortage of budgetary support from the government of the day, a strict moratorium on recruitment, personnel having to wear shabby, old uniforms, many missing out on their pay, a lack of transport, communications, office buildings and limited accommodation for policer personnel and their families.
Morale was especially low, and my own appointment was frowned upon by then senior members of the Force who felt they had been overlooked in the appointment of an expatriate as police commissioner.
Making changes to police pay, uniforms, transport, housing needs, duties, training and especially morale was not easy, but the two years of my appointment some gains had been achieved, including overseas police training in community policing, facilitated by the offer of assistance by the then Commissioner of Police in Singapore in cooperation with the government of Japan.
Work was also underway in renovating police housing in the Rove Camp.
Standing Orders were introduced, and a Code of Police Practice introduced to all members of the police service.
I introduced a new issue of uniform for all officers in the Force, consisting of a white shirt and a black tie.
I made this change believing that it was important for officers to symbolize trust, honesty and authority at a time when public perceptions of their work ethics and responsibilities as supervisors was low.
After I left the Force on completion of my contract in mid 1999, I saw the practice of senior officers wearing a white shirt and a tie was followed by the Commander of the local prison service.
Recently, the incumbent Commissioner of Police, has taken to wearing a white shirt for himself.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short.
www.solomonislandsinfocus.com
