Crime prevention committees in Honiara learn more about police work

More than 60 members from seven communities in East Honiara now have a better understanding of the work of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) to assist them in tackling crime within their communities following a training workshop held recently in Honiara.

The RSIPF National Crime Prevention Department organised the training for community members of Feraladoa, Jericho one, Jericho two, Gegema, Three 7, Fulisango and Mud land in East Honiara.

“The purpose of the training workshop was to assist our crime prevention committees and their neighbourhood watch teams to understand and work according to our laws, strengthen their committee setups, and work in partnership with RSIPF to addressing issues experienced in their communities,” says Director of the National Crime Prevention Department, Superintendent Solomon Sisimia.

The training workshop covered four major topics including:

• Powers of arrest(Citizen);
• Basic use of force;
• Basic crime reporting; and
• Basic crime scene preservation.

Superintendent Sisimia explains, “The powers of arrest by a private citizen and use of force are stipulated in section 21 and 22 of the Penal Code, and section 10, Chapter 7 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CPC). A private citizen can make an arrest and hand over the suspect immediately to the police who will formally arrest and charge the suspect for whatever alleged offence has been committed.”

“The use of force during the arrest must be reasonable and justified as stated under the law. This is very important especially for community neighbourhood watch teams to understand.”

He adds, “The participants also had the opportunity to learn what information is expected when police take statements from the victim and suspect in any criminal incident. This includes such information as the date and time of the incident, the place where the incident happened and the story about what happened.”

“This information must be captured in order for the offender to face the appropriate charge and punished and not for the case to be acquitted. The importance of an exhibit in any case was also discussed. The exhibits must be handed over to the police.”

Superintendent Sisimia says, “The workshop also discussed the importance of crime scene preservation. This is very important in such crime as murder, rape or suicide by hanging or vehicle accidents. The area of the incident must not be disturbed and the neighbourhood policing team must make sure all bystanders and community members do not contaminate the crime scene.”

The National Crime Prevention Department will continue with the training program for the representatives of other communities in and around Honiara.