Fifteen Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Maritime Police personnel have started firearms training at the newly upgraded Training and Technical Centre (TTC) in Honiara.
The Maritime Basic Glock 17/19 Training Course 01/2026 is the first training program to be held at the upgraded TTC following its official handover last week.
The two-week course is designed to strengthen officers’ firearms skills, decision-making and operational readiness for duties at sea.
The course was officially opened by Assistant Commissioner (AC), National Operations Portfolio (NOP), Lionel Kapisa.
Speaking to the 15 participants, AC Kapisa said the training was about more than learning how to handle a firearm. He reminded officers that good judgement, restraint and responsibility are essential when carrying a firearm in the course of their duties.
“This is not a course about firearms alone. It is a course about judgement. It is a course about restraint. And it is a course about the trust the people of the Solomon Islands place in us every time we put on this uniform,” he said.
Over the two weeks, participants will complete practical and theoretical assessments covering the RSIPF Use of Force Policy, firearm safety and characteristics, firearm handling, shooting positions, drawing from the holster, aiming and firing, cleaning and assembly, immediate action and stoppage drills. The course will conclude on 28 August following the completion of the required assessments.
The training is being delivered by RSIPF Operational Safety Training (OST) instructors.
For Maritime Police, these skills are particularly important because of the nature of their work. Officers can spend long periods on the water and may be required to approach vessels of interest without knowing what they might encounter.
Police Constable Hazel Teika, who is taking part in the course, said the training is important for Maritime Police officers.
“When we are out in the open sea, we don’t always know what level of threat we may face when we approach a vessel of interest. That is why this training is very important for us as Maritime Police officers,” she said.
PC Teika said the training will help officers feel more prepared when dealing with situations at sea. She also thanked RSIPF leadership and the Australian Federal Police through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) for making the training possible.
“It is important that we have these opportunities to build our skills and be better prepared for the work we do,” she said.
The course gives the upgraded TTC an immediate role in supporting the training and development of RSIPF personnel. It also demonstrates how RSIPF instructors are continuing to build practical skills across the organisation to support safe and effective policing.
For the Maritime Police officers taking part, the focus is on building the skills, discipline and confidence needed to carry out their duties safely across Solomon Islands’ waters.
The training is supported by RAPPP and the Defence Cooperation Program (DCP) as part of the ongoing partnership between the RSIPF, Australian Federal Police and Australian Defence Force to strengthen policing capability in Solomon Islands.
