Police completed venue Security screening program as part of preparation for PG23

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) successfully completed a venue security screening training program at Rove police headquarters on 25 October 2023 as part of the preparation for the Pacific Games 2023 (PG23).

The training was facilitated by China Police Liaison Team (CPLT) as part of RSIPF preparedness and response to reduce the risk of security breaches and potential harm to very important people, Game Officials, spectators and athletes during the games.

The training coincided with a live exercise in the public domain during the National athletics champion’s league at the National Stadium in providing realistic situation of what is to be expected to come in PG23.

RSIPF Lead Planner (LP) Superintendent (Supt) Fred Suhara says, “This is the first time RSIPF conducting a real time exercises in public domain and foster a deterrent and prevent the entry of weapons, explosives, and other prohibited items into the National Stadium using metal detector gates, an advanced security device used to detect metallic objects on individuals passing through them.”

LP Suhara says, “RSIPF have successfully certified more than 30 trained security screeners who will perform all venue security screenings. These personnel are trained to conduct screening of individuals and items to ensure a high level of safety. They will employ a diverse array of techniques and basic security equipment such as metal detectors, to identify potential persons and items that may pose a threat to the security and welfare of spectators, athletes, visitors, management, and other venue staff.”

“I appealed to the public to work together with the police as we get closer to the event. We should be proud of hosting this PG23 and make this game a memorable event for us and other countries in the region,” says Supt Fred.

To General Public who may have purchased tickets to enter into our National Stadium or even other game vicinities are kindly urged not to bring in prohibited items such as, alcohol, drugs, betel nut & Lime, cigarettes and e-cigarettes, sharp objects, knives of any form. Axe, sticks, screw drives, explosives, firearm, guns, lasers and laser pointers, drones, Unfold-able umbrella, animals, Scouters, skate boards, prams, Coolers, Eski,
Paint, spray cans and many more.

Supt Fred says, “All game venues are “alcohol free’’ meaning no body is allowed to carry, consume or display for sale any forms of alcohol within game facilities and our Police officers will monitor public’s behavior during the entire games via CCTV Camera, in order to deter criminal activities from occurring in public and semi-public spaces. This includes but is not limited to vandalism, theft and violent behavior.”

Let me encourage the general public that with these modern security gate entry processes, carrying of bags, or any of the above prohibited items might deny your access into the National Stadium, therefore, the public are strongly advised to adhere with these instructions,” says Mr. Suhara.