Solomon Islands (RAMSI)
In July 2003, RAMSI commenced its mission to restore law and order and to assist capacity development with the Solomon Island Police Force (SIPF).
RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) is in Phase 4 and 5 of the planned 10 Phase engagement. Phase 1 involved direct intervention to stabilise the law and order environment of the Solomon Islands, while Phase 2 involved sustaining the outcomes of Phase 1. Phases 3 onwards are involved with the capacity building of the SIPF.
Since the commencement of RAMSI, in excess of 3700 weapons have been seized and over 7000 arrests have been made. The SIPF has commenced taking the lead in policing operations with the PPF in a support role. This is a solid indication of the success in capacity building the SIPF.
Currently there are approximately 450 members deployed to the PPF in the Solomon Islands comprising of AFP, Australian State Police, New Zealand Police and policing personnel of thirteen Pacific Nations. This is part of a Whole of Government approach to maintain law and order, strengthen the criminal justice system and support peace building.
The PPF in mission play a significant role in the capacity building of the SIPF, as well as actively engaging in various community projects and activities.
GBR Memorial dedication service – PSO Adam Dunning / Private Jamie Clark
The GBR RAMSI memorial was dedicated on Saturday 10/03/07. The memorial is situated next to the GBR chapel and will serve as a point for quiet reflection for PPF and CTF members throughout the life of the Mission. As a point of interest, a number of surrendered/seized weapons lie under the memorial.
The Australian Leadership Awards, Fellowships Program
The Australian Leadership Awards, Fellowships Program for 2006/2007 is an Australian Government regional awards program that focuses on developing leaders in the Asia/Pacific region. The goal of the Fellowship Program is to develop appropriately trained, current and aspiring leaders in priority areas, who, in the short term will be in a position to advance key regional policy issues. Sergeant Ian Vaevaso of the SIPF Professional Standards and Internal Investigations will undertake a two month secondment to the Northern Territory Police commencing on 29 March 2007.
PPF members support women and children’s shelter (Solomon Star Media Report 29 March 2007)
Participating Police Force (PPF) members delivered donations from Australia of clothing, toiletries and food to the Christian Care Centre on Monday 26 March 2007. The centre provides refuge and support for women and children who are at risk of domestic violence. “The Christian Care Centre provides an essential community service, and doing something useful to support the work of the Sisters is really important to us,” said PPF Advisor John Slyney. PPF Advisor Slyney and five other members of the PPF helped deliver almost 30 boxes of donations to the Shelter. “We are privileged to be able to do these things for the community and see it make a difference in the day-to-day life of people,” he said.
