The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) will mount an operation to provide security during the Oceania Football Championship (OFC) Under Sixteen (U-16) expected to kick off in Honiara over the weekend.
RSIPF Deputy Commissioner (DC) for Operation Support and National Security, Juanita Matanga says, “A total of four hundred and forty seven police officers will be involved in an operation to ensure law and order is maintained during the OFC Men’s U-16 Championship which will be held 9 – 22 September 2018.”
She explains: “Police officers will do searches at Lawson Tama Stadium gates to ensure anyone who enters the stadium does not have in their possession any alcohol or drugs and any dangerous weapon including sharp objects like scissors, screw-drivers, piece of iron, glass bottles and so forth.”
She adds: “Any alcohol, drugs and dangerous items found during the searches will be confiscated and the decision to prosecute anyone found in possession of such items will depend very much on the explanation given to police officers. Police expect people to go there to enjoy the games with a good spirit and not to cause harm to anyone.”
About fifty officers from a private security company are also expect to assist the police provide security at Lawson Tama for the Championship.
“I appeal for the understanding of members of the public to respect RSIPF and local security officers who will be providing security for the duration of the Games from 9 - 22 September 2018 but also respect for the families who will be planning to go to enjoy the themselves in a peaceful and safe environment at Lawson Tama,” says DC Matanga.
During the operation RSIPF officers will also be involved in traffic control, checks and foot patrols around and within the vicinity of Lawson Tama Stadium to ensure traffic flow is managed. Any illegal acts intended to disturb the occasion will be dealt with according to the laws of the country.