The objective: The RSIPF is capable of independently carrying out its mandated functions under law, maintaining law and order and targeting corrupt conduct in Solomon Islands.
The RAMSI Participating Police Force’s powers are a result of the Facilitation of International Assistance Act. The Act which was passed by Solomon Islands Parliament in 2003, provides for the restoration of civil order in Honiara and throughout the Solomon Islands, the confiscation of illegal weapons and the investigation and prosecution of criminal offences.
The restoration of civil order in Honiara and the rest of the country has resulted in a vast improvement to the lives of ordinary Solomon Islanders. Widespread stability and the absence of weapons in the community enable order to be maintained largely through traditional justice mechanisms supported by the formal justice sector.
The challenges
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) continues to maintain its presence across the country’s nine provinces but the challenges of providing policing services to the 80 per cent of the population who live in villages and small towns spread over nearly 1000 islands include high costs, inadequate transport and unreliable communications. The population of the Solomon Islands is diverse in culture and language but for more than a decade there has been a shift of the population towards the capital, placing increasing pressure on policing services in Honiara.
RAMSI’s work
The RAMSI Participating Police Force (PPF) provides a high visibility police presence in Honiara and other provinces, including an armed capability in support of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force. This support includes technical and logistical assistance to the RSIPF that enables them to deliver policing services to the people of the Solomon Islands.
In Honiara’s Central Police Station, for example, RAMSI provides the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force with a 24 hour policing service; and ensures the capability is in place for police to respond to any serious violent crime in the remote parts of the country.
Building the capacity of officers has been a consistent aim of the Participating Police Force from RAMSI's inception. This includes focusing on strengthening the capacity of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force in the maintenance and enforcement of law and order, preserving the peace, protecting life and property, preventing and detecting crime and apprehending of offenders.
General Duties
General Duties is the policing operation most visible to the general public.
General Duties police officers have long and varied work days, covering areas such as the apprehension and interviewing of suspects, traffic compliance, public safety, and ‘high visibility’ police operations aimed at preventing crime.
Community policing
While more time is needed for the general populace to develop full trust in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force, its Community Policing Unit already inspires a hope for the future of the police service.
Engaging with the community through education programs, awareness campaigns and ’tok tok’, the Community Policing Unit is assisting the community and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force to move forward together.
Provincial policing
With the vast majority of Solomon Islands being accessible only by boat or, if urgent assistance is required, by air, policing Solomon Islands provinces is an enormous task. Due to the RSIPF’s limited budget and lack of infrastructure, RAMSI ‘s Participating Police Force currently provides a significant amount of the logistical support for the RSIPF to assist with these policing activities. In addition, provincial police posts provide services to areas of thick vegetation and steep terrain - presenting significant challenges for those wishing to report a crime - and for the police wanting to respond.
Investigations
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force's investigative capability declined dramatically prior to and during the tensions. Re-developing the ability of Solomon Islands police to investigate major and serious crime remains a strong focus for the Participating Police Force. Serious crimes committed during the tensions, including murder, rape, weapons theft and large corruption are being addressed.
Achievements so far
Since RAMSI’s arrival in 2003, the achievements of the RAMSI Participating Police Force have been significant. They include:
The restoration and maintenance of law and order across Solomon Islands.- A reduction of firearms in the community (no reported firearm related incidents/crime since 2004). Over 4000 firearms were collected by RAMSI in the first few months of its work in Solomon Islands.
- Improvements in the management of investigations by the RSIPF.
- Improved public order management response capability.
- Increased domestic and foreign investor confidence in Solomon Islands following the return of law and order in the country.