RSIPF Police Response Team (PRT) receive gifts from AFP Policing Partnership

To protect police officers as they deliver services to the Solomon Islands community the Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership (RAPPP) Mission Commander Paul Osborne, handed over a range of essential Public Order Management (POM) Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) items to (RSIPF) Police Response Team (PRT) this morning.

The equipment will be used as part of the operational response giving RSIPF police officers access to fit purpose equipment to protect them when responding to public order incidents. It includes helmets, and body protectors for the PRT officers for public order management incidents. This equipment complements the PRT’s current equipment and enhances protection measures for members on the frontline when facing unrest.

RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said the importance of protecting his officers as they serve the community and welcomed AFP’s gift of protective equipment for RSIPF.

RAPP Commander Mr. Paul Osborne said protecting officers is a priority for the AFP, a key focus of our enduring friendship with RSIPF is safety. This equipment will help officers respond effectively and assist by protecting them in challenging and uncertain times. The AFP continues to stand with our policing colleagues as we work together to combat common threats in our region.

Commander Osborne said the RAPPP and AFP has Operation SKYRAY officers providing in-country surge support because of the enactment of the Bilateral Security Treaty between Australia and Solomon Islands following the November 2021 riots. The officers are currently working side by side with RSIPF as they prepare for Parliament sitting in the coming weeks. Joint preparations are underway and this new equipment will further enhance RSIPF POM kits as they implement the operational orders in the coming weeks.