RSIPF conference focuses on new strategic directions and COVID-19

The conference of Provincial Police Commanders (PPCs) and Directors of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) which got underway at the Rove Police Headquarters in Honiara yesterday (4 November 2020) is focusing on the new strategic directions for the Force for the next five years and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services (MPNSCS), Hon. Anthony Veke officially opened the Conference which will continue until this Friday 6 November with the theme ‘Enhancing policing capability, response and preparedness in fight against crime and the global pandemic COVID-19’.

Members of the RSIPF, Solomon Islands Police Development Program (SIPDP) and Solomon Islands Police Support Program (SIPSP) executives were also at the opening ceremony.

“The focus of the conference is for the RSIPF Executive and Strategic Planning and Policy department to present the new Strategic Direction 2021 – 2025 to the PPCs and Directors, and the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) through the MPNSCS. The new five-year strategic plan supports the SIG in its endeavour to provide national security to the people of this nation,” says Minister Veke.

“The Strategic Direction and the Annual Business Plan that you will implement is of crucial importance, as it reflects the Democratic Coalition Government for Advancement (DCGA’s) Policy Statement and Framework for the next four years. Both the Ministry of Police and the RSIPF will be working together as a team to achieve this.”

Hon. Veke adds, “I am also advised that during this Conference, you will be presented with the RSIPF COVID-19 preparedness and response strategy. This is of equal importance since it is the strategic platform for the RSIPF. You as key players in the RSIPF will need to support each other in developing your Work Action Plans to meet the requirements and activities as outlined in the Strategy.”

“However the challenges imposed on us by the COVID-19 global pandemic requires us to reprioritize our priorities and resources to effectively combat this deadly virus. Despite our prevailing financial challenges, we need to strive forward to provide a professional policing service to our people.”

“The fight against crime is equally important more than ever as we fight against COVID 19. And the theme for this Conference is very fitting to ensure your plans continue to develop and adapt given the changing environment of the new norm due to the COVID 19.”

Minister Veke told the PPCs and Directors, “It is therefore pertinent that all of you, who are here as leaders of RSIPF ensure that the plan you develop, must reflect the needs of our people and our communities. Our prevailing mission is to provide a safe, secure and peaceful Solomon Islands” and I am confident that we can do so through teamwork.”