Building Capability and Confidence: RSIPF Modernises Operational Safety Training

The Royal Solomon Island Police (RSIPF) is strengthening its commitment to professional, accountable, and community-focused policing through the modernization of its Operational Safety Training (OST) program.

As part of this initiative, RSIPF, with support from the Australian Federal Police (AFP), has been updating its OST manual to reflect contemporary policing standards, reinforce ethical decision-making, and support the responsible use of force.

The revised approach aligns with an emphasis on public approval, fairness, and maintaining public trust.

A key milestone was achieved in December 2025, when ten RSIPF training personnel participated in an OST exchange program with the AFP at the Pinkenba Training Centre in Brisbane.

The delegation included eight RSIPF OST members, one RSIPF Academy OST trainer, and one CPP OST trainer.

During the exchange, RSIPF personnel worked alongside AFP counterparts to observe and learn updated Use of Force (UoF) tactics and modern training practices delivered to AFP recruits.

They also participated in selected training activities to assess their effectiveness and relevance to policing in the Solomon Islands. These updated tactics prioritize officer safety while reinforcing the principles of restraint, necessity, and proportionality.

Building on this exchange, RSIPF has been developing an updated OST manual since late December 2025, which will be submitted to the RSIPF Operational Safety Committee for evaluation and endorsement.

This work was further strengthened last month when three AFP OST trainers traveled to Honiara to deliver a Train-the-Trainer program. During the first week, AFP trainers worked closely with RSIPF OST staff to enhance training delivery, strengthen risk assessment practices, and ensure consistent application of use-of-force principles.

In the following weeks, RSIPF trainers delivered OST sessions to RSIPF officers, with AFP mentors observing and endorsing training standards.

Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operations (NO) Supervising Mr. Lionel Kapisa said the initiative reflects the RSIPF's focus on building capability and professionalism across the organization.

“We are equipping our officers with the skills and confidence to serve our communities with professionalism and integrity. These tactical standards reflect the values every RSIPF officer must uphold,” AC NO, Mr. Kapisa, said.

This initiative was delivered through the RSIPF–AFP Policing Partnership Program, reinforcing RSIPF’s ongoing investment in professional capability, operational safety, and strengthening community confidence in policing services.