RSIPF Strengthens Capability to Serve Communities Across Solomon Islands

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) has strengthened its capability to protect and serve communities across Solomon Islands through the successful delivery of two major capability development initiatives focused on operational safety and close personal protection.

The initiatives were delivered in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), supporting the ongoing development of specialist and frontline policing capabilities across the country.

The initiatives strengthened both specialist and frontline policing capability within RSIPF.

The Close Personal Protection course saw 10 officers graduate, providing an immediate boost to the organisation’s Close Personal Protection Division. The division plays a critical role in protecting national leaders, government officials, visiting dignitaries and other protected persons, helping ensure the safe conduct of government activities, national events and international engagements.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Operational Safety Training Train-the-Trainer course created a network of qualified trainers who will deliver standardised operational safety training throughout Solomon Islands. The initiative supports a decentralised training model and will help ensure officers in all provinces have access to consistent, high-quality training regardless of location.

Assistant Commissioner Lionel Kapisa said the initiatives reflected RSIPF’s commitment to building a capable and professional police force.

"We are investing in our people and building a foundation that will carry RSIPF forward into the future."

"Our officers must be confident, capable and equipped to respond safely and professionally in every situation."

The updated operational safety program includes contemporary training methods designed to improve decision-making, accountability and officer safety during operational engagements. These improvements are expected to reduce risk to both police officers and the communities they serve.

By strengthening internal training capability and expanding specialist policing capacity, RSIPF is building a more capable and sustainable workforce equipped to meet both current and future policing challenges.

Assistant Commissioner Kapisa said the initiatives would deliver long-term benefits for both RSIPF and the communities it serves.

"These initiatives significantly strengthen the operational readiness of RSIPF by enhancing both our specialist policing capabilities and our ability to deliver high-quality training across the provinces, ensuring we remain well positioned to meet current and future policing and security requirements."

These initiatives form part of RSIPF’s ongoing commitment to building a modern, professional police service that enhances community safety, strengthens public confidence and supports the security and stability of Solomon Islands.