In keeping with the true intentions of community policing, a policy I introduced in the local police operational plans in 1997, I have been following closely how the RSIPF has put community policing to the front of operations on the Western border.
I have in mind the most recent meeting by the RSIPF and the FAMOA Council of Chiefs, Mono Chiefs and elders.
Solomon Times Online gave this information on the meeting.
Quote.
The Assistant Commissioner (AC) of Police National Capital and Crime Prevention (RSIPF COVID-19 Operation Commander) Simpson Pogeava said, during a meeting with the FAMOA Council of Chiefs, Chiefs and elders in Mono, there were many positive issues raised concerning the Police Operations at the Western border including representatives from the women and youth groups in both islands.”
AC Pogeava said, “Communities are secured with the presence of police, especially the Police Response Team (PRT) at the Western border as they had been assisting in many situations that they have encountered before in terms of reporting criminal cases that cannot be handled by our communities.”
She added, “The communities also noted that with regards to the COVID-19 pandemic that is now affecting them especially those here at the border, they have full confidence in our police officers. With the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Papua New Guinea (PNG) policing work is very important to protect the communities on the Western border.”
“People from our neighbouring island in Bougainville had made attempts to enter in to our waters even through these trying times as we fight against this COVID-19 with a declaration of a State of Public Emergency (SoPE) last year 2020. But we have been assured by our police officers on how we observe them in carrying out their duties.”
Assistant Commissioner Pogeava ended by saying, “I want to acknowledge both communities for all the comments and recommendations raised to help support our review team. We appreciate you for honouring our request (to meet) and for taking time out from your busy schedules or commitments within your families and communities.
“We look forward for your continued support rendered to our officers to help each other in working together to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.”
End quote.
Footnotes.
RSIPF officers also met recently to brief locally posted Taro police officers on operational plans for dealing with the threat of Covid-19 in their operational policing areas.
The Rapid Response Unit of the then RSIP was also formed in 1997 and was the forerunner of the present day RSIPF ‘Police Response Team (PRT).
I am pleased that the PRT and community policing are policies initiated 24 years ago that serve the Solomon Islands so well in today’s difficult environment.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
