Solomon Islands is a relatively peaceful nation after 14 years of the intervention by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI).
But in a presentation to the 9th Australian-Solomon Islands Business Forum in Honiara today (25 July 2017), Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, Matthew Varley said: “Social disadvantage, unemployment, lack of services and weak regulatory systems create opportunities and incentives for crime.”
A new portfolio has been created inside the internal structure of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF)
At the same time, the Police and Prison Service Commission has endorsed the promotion of 61 officers to the ranks of Inspector, Superintendent, Chief Superintendent and Assistant Commissioner.
Any sexual assault offences committed since May 2016 will now be dealt with under the Penal Code (Sexual Offences) (amendment) Act 2016 which attracts maximum penalties from 25 years to life imprisonment.
Some sexual assault cases or offences include rape, attempted rape, incest, indecent act and child commercial exploitation.
The RSIPF Commissioner, Matthew Varley is satisfied with the progress of the rearmament of two specialist units namely the Police Response Team (PRT) and the Close Personal Protection (CPP) under the Force’s National Response Department (NRD) since commissioning in early May this year.
The RSIPF continues to be concerned about the increasing incidences of drunk driving recorded on the roads of Honiara despite repeated messages to drivers not to drive when drinking.
Director of the RSIPF Kukum Traffic Centre, Inspector Brian Surimalefo revealed that so far this month alone (1 – 16 July) the Centre has already recorded 11 persons driving with alcohol present in their blood.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has highly commended members of the public, the Solomon Islands Football Federation (SIFF), the sponsors and all stakeholders for a successful and incident-free three weeks Solomon Cup 2017.
The RSIPF officers in Kirakira, Makira Province have reactivated township beat patrols with encouraging responses from members of the public as well as among the police officers themselves.
“This initiative to re-activate the beat patrols within the Kirakira township was taken as part of the discipline and duty obligation of police officers, especially the front line officers, to members of the public. RSIPF serves the public and so we must be seen by the public,” said RSIPF Provincial Police Commander, Makira Ulawa Province, Superintendent, Peter Sitai.
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Fire and Rescue Service conducted one day training for Wardens of Bank of South Pacific (BSP) in Honiara on 12 July 2017.
Topics covered during the training included
• Basic Fire Fighting- Fire Chemistry;
• Classification of Fire;
• Fire Extinguishers & Fire Extinguisher Operational Procedures;
• Practical Firefighting; and
• Evacuation Procedures- Roles and responsibilities of Floor
The practical exercise was held at the Hells Point Fire Training ground East of Honiara.
A joint operation between RSIPF Honiara City and Guadalcanal Province confiscated 870 litres of kwaso worth about $43,000.00 at Kotsatsai village, North West Guadalcanal last week.
During the raid, the joint operation arrested a 47-year old female for brewing of illegal substance. The female is believed to be a Papua New Guinea national.
Besides the 870 litres of kwaso, Police also confiscated distilling apparatus which have been detained in police custody.
The RSIPF Commissioner, Matthew Varley has thanked the Fire & Rescue Department of New South Wales (NSW), Australia for the gift of three fire trucks and other equipment which will support the work of the local Fire and Rescue Department.
“These three fire trucks and the equipment will go a long way towards assisting the operations of the RSIPF Fire and Rescue. I must thank the assistance that the NSW Fire and Rescue Department has rendered the RSIPF for the past years. The assistance has modernised the RSIPF Fire and Rescue department,” said RSIPF Commissioner Varley.
