RSIPF deputy commissioner reminds officers of their important role as front-liners

The Deputy Commissioner, Operations, in the Royal Solomon Police Force (RSIPF) Juanita Matanga has reminded officers at the Taro Police Station, including officers of the deployed Police Response Team (PRT), of the responsibility that rests on their shoulders to protect the lives and properties of people in the country.

Speaking during a muster after officers mounted a parade for her on 26 March 2021, DC Matanga told the officers, “I want to remind you my good officers that you are the front liners who deal directly with our communities and the responsibility is on your shoulders to protect lives and the properties of our good people.”

“As we are in a difficult situation I want to encourage you to continue the good relationship you have with our communities and perform to the high standard required by the public so we can maintain the confidence they have in us as police officers. Always maintain the health regulations put in place by the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) to protect yourself and your family from the COVID-19.”

DC Matanga explained, “We have to step up and strengthen our border operation as we know cases of COVID-19 on Bougainville are increasing as the overall number cases in Papua New Guinea continue to increase. We must continue to support the SIG and Ministry of Health and Medical Services, who is leading the operation to stop the COVID-19 entering our shores by monitoring boats coming in and out of the common border region.”

“We cannot succeed in securing the border without the help and support of our communities. We have to conduct more community awareness highlighting the Crime Prevention Strategy to our communities. Let us work together and support each other during these challenging times.”

“To the deployed PRT team here in Taro, I understand that you have left your families behind to do what we are mandated to do but your effort shows why we are still safe and free from COVID-19. I want to acknowledge and congratulate your team in supporting the officers here at the Taro Police Station Officers for the sake of our people in Choiseul Province and our nation Solomon Islands as a whole,” said DC Matanga.