The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit has graduated 12 officers after completing level 2 of the International Mine Action Standard (IMAS) course requirements as specialist operators today (29 June 2022) at the EOD facility, East of Honiara.
This is another important stage in the development of our next generation of EOD operators, which will always be a role that is needed in the Solomon Islands.
Assistant Commissioner (AC) National Operations Evelyn Thugea says, “This stage of training has been very intensive and demanding and officers completing the program has gained required skills needed to begin next step into the EOD team leader role. This is evident when I look at the types of subjects covered such as EOD Planning, management of EOD operations and working relationships.”
“This is the first course to include an Improvised Explosive Device Disposal (IEDD) appraisal phase. This signifies another step in the development of the EOD team capability and will be an important asset during some of the upcoming special events and operations.” AC Thugea adds
“The training enabled the officers to understand why certain procedures and processes are in place for the improvement of the services they are expected to deliver. EOD is a highly specialised unit with significant consequences when procedures are not followed.”
Officer in Charge (OIC) EOD Inspector Clifford Tunuki says, “I am confident in these handful of graduates as they have shown full time commitment, dedication to their studies, and maintained a high moral of discipline, integrity and professionalism.”
“With our ongoing and future projects and operations these qualified men and women will play vital roles as EOD team leaders that will demonstrate their technical knowledge and skills learned for the advancement of our EOD strategic goals and objectives.” Inspector Tuniki adds,
With the training, I want to acknowledge the timely response from the Australian Defense Force (ADF) in terms of training needs. We look forward to ADF ongoing engagement with the RSIPF EOD Unit.
The twelve police constables including three females were presented with certificates. One officer was presented with a merit certificate for her outstanding performances during the period of the training.
-RSIPF Press
