BY SAMIE WAIKORI
The Minister for Police, National Security and Correctional Service, Hon Jimson Tanangada, has acknowledged that housing remains a major challenge faced by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).
In light of that, he said his ministry is committed to developing a policy strategy to address the issue, emphasizing the need to ensure the safety and security of police officers.
Minister Tanangada made the remarks in response to a question from MP for East Are Are, Hon Peter Kenilorea Junior, regarding a housing policy for the RSIPF during the Committee of Supply in Parliament this week.
He noted that housing is an important aspect of supporting the country’s law enforcement agency, especially as many officers are not accommodated in designated police housing.
“Unlike other places where officers live in barracks, most of our police officers are living in rented houses. And that is something we really want to address,” he said.
“The safety and security of police officers is important, so they can perform their duties without concerns about their own safety,” the Minister added.
Based on a date provided by Minister Tanangada, there are currently around 247 houses for police officers, which will undergo renovation over time.
He admitted that the shortage of adequate housing for officers across the country remains a critical challenge and will be a key focus of his ministry’s policy direction.
“In terms of policy, the strategy is that we need to house officers by developing proper police barracks. That is what I believe in.
“So that they are confined in a secure environment — not only themselves, but their families too.
“And when police officers perform their duty, they know their families are safe. This enables them to execute their duties to full capacity,” Tanangada said.
The Minister also recalled instances where officers living in rented accommodation outside police facilities were threatened.
He said this highlights the urgent need to establish secure police barracks going forward.
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