RSIPF and AFP conduct joint patrols as part of community engagement in West Honiara

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and The Australian Federal Police (AFP) continue to conduct joint patrols in West Honiara.

Recently RSIPF officers manning the White River Police Station joined AFP officers to patrol their communities under White Police Station.

Officers involved in the joint patrol took to the main street of White River by foot to do monitoring for any potential public disorder issues and to engage with the community.

The joint patrol maintains high visibility policing fulfilling the RSIPF’s proactive on crime prevention measures.

“While doing our patrols, we want to show to communities that we care about the health of other people. This is why every officer involved in this patrol adheres to COVID protocols including social distancing and wearing a mask,” an AFP female officer says.

The officer says she had been in the country five months ago and will return to Australia soon.

“I love going out on patrols as I had the chance to meet people and see the wonderful smiles of the local children,” the officer added.

Solomon’s’ International Assistance Force (SIAF) Deputy Commissioner, AFP Commander Paul Osborne says that AFP will continue to support the RSIPF and community patrols are an important element to engagement with the community and proactive policing. I thank the community for their ongoing support and assistance in maintaining the peace and security in Solomon Islands.

Commissioner of RSIPF Mr. Mostyn Mangau says I am happy that officers from AFP support RSIPF to do community engagements. This is very important to connect with the communities.

Different communities in the whole country need to work together when it comes to crime.

Mr. Mangau says, good to be proactive and engage with the communities. See police as your friend and ask for help when there is a problem in the community. Officers are there to assist.