AFP and Solomon Islands police set future priorities
Editor’s note: Images available via Hightail.
The AFP and Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Commissioners met last week to outline how they will continue to work closely together in 2024 to combat criminal and security threats across the Pacific region.
The Commissioners were joined by Solomon Islands Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services the Honourable Anthony Veke and representatives from the AFP’s Pacific Asia Command to set the agenda of the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) for the year ahead.
Now in its third year, the RAPPP is designed to help boost RSIPF’s capabilities to keep their communities safe. AFP members work closely with their RSIPF counterparts to support the operational delivery of policing services to identify, target and combat emerging crime and security issues.
In 2024, the AFP is committed to supporting the RSIPF with the safe and successful delivery of the National General Elections, which are scheduled for the coming months, by providing essential RSIPF capability development in the lead-up.
RAPPP has dedicated specialist advisory support members in the joint RSIPF/AFP National General Elections planning team for the security operation.
AFP Commander Heath Davies said the AFP was committed and ready to support the RSIPF through the important operation.
“The AFP has shown it is a trusted and reliable partner to help deliver large-scale operations, as demonstrated through the safe and successful 2023 Pacific Games,” Commander Davies said.
“We are ready to help equip the RSIPF with the necessary resources and stand alongside our counterparts to help keep their communities safe and secure throughout the National General Elections.
“The AFP is looking forward to another successful year of delivering the RAPPP, as we continue to help build the capacity and capability of the RSIPF, based on their needs.”
The leaders also took the time to reflect on the successful delivery of the security operation for the 2023 Pacific Games.
RAPPP projects were reviewed and re-prioritised last year to focus on boosting RSIPF’s capabilityfor the games.
This ensured various equipment needs were met and key infrastructure projects were delivered, including re-building the Kukum National Traffic Centre and upgrades to the RSIPF’s Police Operations Centre.
Training and development opportunities were also a big focus last year, including in investigations, intelligence, forensics, aviation, public order management and close personal protection.
RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said the RSIPF was thankful for the AFP’s continuous support to develop the capabilities and capacity of the RSIPF through the RAPPP.
“Preparing for milestones like the 2023 Pacific Games and 2024 National General Elections contributes to building a stronger operational partnership between the AFP and RSIPF to combat crime in the region,” Commissioner Mangau said.
“The AFP has always been with us on this journey every step of the way.”