BY JOHN HOUANIHAU
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele has called for stronger accountability and reform within the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), urging leadership to uphold integrity and respond to emerging security challenges.
PM Manele directed the statement to the Police commissioner, Ian Vaeveso during his official appointment as the new Police commissioner at the Rove Polie Headquarters on Wednesday this week.
He said that there is need for consistent standards and lawful conduct across the force as the country’s security environment is becoming increasingly complex.
“Transnational crime, porous borders and evolving law and order issues is becoming a growing concern requiring adaptive leadership and strategic foresight,” he said.
The PM said that the rise of illicit drugs in communities was also alarming.
“The Government reaffirming its commitment to legislative and policy reforms. Policing capability must be strengthened through intelligence-led approaches, improved discipline and stronger partnerships,” he said.
He said that community policing and crime prevention efforts were identified as key priorities with a rapidly growing youth population.
“The Government acknowledged that policing cannot be carried out in isolation, but it needs coordinated efforts among stakeholders, including communities, churches, leaders and families.
“Ongoing reforms within the RSIPF are expected to remain focused on measurable outcomes, including strengthening legislation, enhancing operational capacity and aligning systems with evolving security demands,” he said.
The PM said he recognised the contributions of regional and international partners, including the Australian Federal Police, Australian Defence Force, China Police Liaison Team, New Zealand Police and the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary, as well as support from partner countries.
“Citizens were reminded that maintaining security is a shared responsibility. Public must work closely with police to uphold the rule of law and promote peace,” PM said.
He encouraged the Police Commissioner to lead with integrity and discipline, with a focus on restoring public confidence and strengthening the force for future challenges.
