Police receives 13 vehicles and 60 short barrel rifles from AFP through the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program

Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have received 13 vehicles and 60 short barrel rifles from Australia during a handing over ceremony today (2 November 2022) at Rove Police Headquarters.

The handing over ceremony was attended by the Honourable Prime Minister Manasseh, Minister of Police National Security and Correctional Service (MPNSCS) Honourable Anthony Veke and the Permanent Secretary of MPSNSC Karen Galokale.

Among the guests is Australia High Commissioner His Excellency Dr. Lachlan Strahan, Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) Deputy Commissioner Davies Heath and the Commander of RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) Clinton Smith.

AFP Acting Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale says, “It is a privilege for the AFP members to stand shoulder to shoulder with the RSIPF as we have done for many years. Our enduring partnership demonstrated by both the Solomon International Assistance Force and the RSIPF and the AFP Policing Partnership Program reinforces our commitment to meet the needs of Solomon Islands and the RSIPF.

AFP DC adds: “Today’s ceremony and gifting of this capability is an example of this commitment. The four vehicles for the establishment of the RSIPF mobile protection unit have been designed specifically to support protection of critical infrastructure, high office holders and dignitaries. Nine vehicles for the Police Response Team (PRT) enhance capability to safely respond to high risk incidents and public order management”.

“The 60 Daniel Defence rifles continue the AFP support for the RSIPF rearmament program which we commenced in 2013. The rifles are the latest technology used by the AFP and other police forces across the world and showed the RSIPF has cutting hedge capability in specialist response operations to counter criminal threats and maintain peace and stability,” says DC Gale.

She says, “AFP members deployed to the Solomon Islands will support these specialist capabilities with tailored training programs, mentoring and support in the development of operating procedures and governance.”

RSIPF Commissioner Mr. Mostyn Mangau says, “The donation would help strengthen the RSIPF’s capability to protect and serve the Solomon Islands community.”

Commissioner Mangau says, “On behalf of the RSIPF, I would like to thank the AFP through the RAPPP for this generous donation that will help contribute to the security, peace and stability in the Solomon Islands.”

Mr. Mangau says, “Please my good officers, do take care of the very expensive assets. We need to look after it well. Use it for its purpose to provide services to our people. Have a strong mind set with strong discipline to take care of these new capabilities.”