RSIPF and AFP conduct joint exercises

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) continues specialist enhancement training in preparation for the Pacific Games 2023 (PG23), with RSIPF and regional law enforcement partners.

The AFP’s RAPPP design included support to RSIPF as they focused on security planning and major operations over the next two years. This included major events security and the protection and safety of visiting dignitaries attending the PG23 in November 2023.

This month saw the RAPPP and RSIPF take an opportunity to share each other’s knowledge and experience during a series of joint Close Personal Protection (CPP) training exercises. AFP specialists provided tactical briefings to RSIPF participants and coordinated field scenarios.

To strengthen regional policing collaboration and interoperability, the training included members from the visiting Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC) contingent joining, the AFP Tactical Response, AFP RAPPP, RSIPF Police Response Team, and RSIPF Close Personal Protection teams.

The program focused on skills maintenance, in planning and response capability to manage and respond to potential threats against high office holders and visiting dignitaries and delegations.

AFP has a long history of providing CPP Advisors and support to RSIPF training activities and provision of equipment.

Since 2003 the RSIPF and AFP have collaborated in operational delivery and training, to ensure interoperability between the agencies. AFP has supported RSIPF officers travel to participate in joint police training delivery with other Pacific nations under the “For Pacific, By Pacific” initiatives driven by the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police (PICP), Pacific Police Training Advisory Group (PPTAG).

Commissioner Mangau highlighted his appreciation of the AFP’s ongoing support to RSIPF with preparations for the PG23. He stated ongoing partnership with AFP and its support toward major events preparation is paramount to the RSIPF as the Solomon Islands will be on the world stage hosting important regional events in Honiara notably the Pacific Games set for 2023.