The Police Response Department (PRD) of the Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF), with support from the RSIPF-Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) is preparing for the upcoming Pacific Islands Forum Leaders (PIFL) meeting in Honiara next month.
On Friday 22 August 2025 a capability demonstration as part of the operational readiness was held.
This is to enhance PRD capability in Public Order Management (POM).
The demonstration was held at Hells Point and Tenaru firing base.
The demonstration capability was attended by the Acting Prime Minister of the Solomon Islands, Hon. Frederick Kologeto, with some members of parliament and Australia’s High Commissioner to the Solomon Islands, His Excellency Rod Hilton.
Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele was in Port Moresby during that time.
During the capability demonstration, the PRD officers showcased POM in various situation scenarios.
The demonstration featured both non-lethal and lethal capability, highlighting response in POM.
At the event, RAPPP handed over two new all-terrain vehicles for the Explosive Ordnance Disposal Department and PlataTac Jungle Green Tropic MultiCam uniforms for PRD.
AFP Commander RAPPP, Commander Hall O’Meagher, in his remarks, said Solomon Islands and Australia are more than neighbors. “We are family. We share a region, an ocean, and a history of partnership that has shaped our past and continues to guide our future.”
Commander Hall O’Meagher said Australia is proud to be Solomon Islands’ partner of choice in the security sector.
“Together, we continue to build on our long-lasting and enduring relationship—one built on friendship and grounded in mutual respect, trust, and open dialogue.
“Our commitment is clear: we stand with Solomon Islands in advancing its evolving security priorities, in line with the three-tier security framework.
“This commitment comes to life through the RAPPP and through our 42-year Defence Cooperation Program, said Commander O’Meagher.
Supervising Commissioner of RSIPF Mr. Ian Vaevaso said, he was happy to see the country’s police force keep enhancing its capability with the support from the Australian government and its people.
Supervising Commissioner Mr. Vaevaso said, “This partnership not only strengthens the capabilities of the RSIPF but also fosters greater stability and safety in the region.
Supervising Commissioner Vaevaso said, “As both nations work together, we pave the way for a more secure future and enhanced cooperation in terms of security, seeing that we are now prepared for the PIFL meeting in Honiara next month.”
– RSIPF
