BY JOY OFASIA
The Australian Federal Police (AFP) has highlighted its long-standing partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), saying the cooperation has helped strengthen policing skills and readiness in Solomon Islands.
Speaking at the handover of the new Tactical Training Centre at Rove Police Headquarters on 14 October,
AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the partnership had grown through several programs, including RAMSI and the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program.
“For many years, the Australian Federal Police has worked alongside the RSIPF … to strengthen specialist policing capability and operational readiness,” she said.
Commissioner Barrett said Australia had supported the RSIPF through training, advice, specialist equipment and skills development.
She said the new centre showed the continued commitment of both countries to building a professional and modern police service.
The centre includes training areas for Close Personal Protection, Operational Safety Training and the Police Response Department. Having the specialist teams in one location will help improve teamwork, training and operational effectiveness.
Commissioner Barrett said the centre could provide training for about 1,000 RSIPF officers each year.
The Australian Government invested about SBD $5.5 million in the facility. The project also provided local jobs and used materials sourced from communities in Solomon Islands.
Commissioner Barrett said the investment was important as Pacific police forces faced growing challenges, including transnational crime and new security threats.
“Investment in training, leadership and professional capability has never been more important,” she said.
She described the centre as an investment not only in infrastructure but, more importantly, in the people serving their communities.
The AFP formally handed over the Tactical Training Centre to the RSIPF on 14 October, marking another milestone in the policing partnership between Australia and Solomon Islands.
