The forensics officers of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) underwent a two-day workshop on chemical development of fingerprints in Honiara recently.
The workshop was coordinated by RSIPF Forensic Training Officer (FTO), Sergeant (Sgt) Minnie Leigh, with support from the Australian Federal Police (AFP) through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), which is a long-term partner for the RSIPF forensics.
Four RSIPF forensic officers participated in the workshop on fingerprint development and comparison. Chemical development of fingerprints is a core forensic technique contributing to a successful police investigation.
FTO Sgt. Leigh said by increasing the number of trained officers, the RSIPF are reinforcing their commitment to the prosecution of serious offenses both across the Solomon Islands and in the Pacific, as criminal operations continue to become more sophisticated and extend beyond traditional country borders.
Sgt. Leigh said during the course, the participants were trained in the development and recording of fingerprints using a variety of chemicals and lighting processes. Practical components provided an opportunity to apply these skills in an operational setting.
During the certificate presentation to the participants, Supervising Forensic Officer In-Charge (OIC) Staff Sergeant (SSgt) George Diudi said, “This in-house training is an important step in upskilling our officer’s knowledge to support RSIPF investigations.
“I would like to thank the AFP and our RAPPP advisor for the continued support to RSIPF Forensic, through in-house training such as this and other logistic support,” said Supervising OIC Diudi.
RAPPP Forensic Advisor Merrilyn Hurst said, “It was a pleasure to work alongside RSIPF during this workshop. The drive for ongoing development of these essential forensic skills is a testament to the officers’ commitment and professionalism and demonstrates their position as a leading policing agency within the Pacific.”
The Australian Federal Police (AFP), through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), are long-term partners of RSIPF forensics and were happy to support this training workshop as part of the ongoing professional development of the RSIPF Forensic team.
