At the Women of Influence panel held at Heritage Park last week during the visit of Australia’s Assistant Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, Senator Hon. Nita Green, one of the standout voices belonged to Assistant Commissioner of Police, Patricia Leta.
The moderator posed a simple yet powerful question:
“As a woman working in the public service, how do you approach leadership and decision-making in a way that brings positive change for others?”
For Ms Leta—one of the longest-serving officers in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force—the answer was rooted not only in leadership, but in a lifetime of service, sacrifice, and integrity.
With nearly 38 years in the force, she has risen through the ranks to become the first woman to hold several senior command positions. Her leadership philosophy centres on influence, structure, and accountability.
“Leadership, to me, is about influencing the behaviour of others to achieve a task,” she said. “But before I ask my officers to act, I make sure the logistics are in place, the guidelines are clear, and the tasks are defined within a timeframe.”
Her approach is systematic and people-centred: identify strengths, build on them, and nurture weaknesses until they become strengths. It is a model that has shaped countless officers and strengthened the organisation she serves.
Ms Leta insists that leadership must be lived—not merely spoken.
“I have to lead by example. My integrity must never be compromised. Honesty and accountability are values my officers must see in me every day.”
Her commitment extends beyond the organisation to the many communities she has served over nearly three decades on the frontline. Whether responding to reports or negotiating in life-threatening situations, she maintains fairness, transparency, and truth—even when resources are limited.
“If I don’t have transport, I tell the community the truth. I don’t make promises I can’t keep.”
Her years in the investigation branch have further tested her resolve. Nearly 70% of cases involve people she knows personally, yet she maintains strict neutrality.
“Let the court decide whether they are innocent or guilty. My role is to ensure the process is done fairly.”
This unwavering impartiality has earned her trust in high-stakes negotiations, where her calm, fact-based decision-making has saved lives.
For Ms Leta, public service is not a career—it is a calling.
“I’m not here for the money. I’m here to serve the community.”
Her passion has carried her through decades of challenges, from grassroots policing to executive leadership. Even when decisions are difficult, she stands by them with accountability.
“What matters is not whether the outcome is positive or negative. What matters is that I can explain to my superiors why I made that decision.”
Joining the RSIPF straight out of Form 3, Ms Leta worked her way through a male-dominated, hierarchical institution to become Assistant Commissioner—a journey marked by resilience, courage, and countless broken barriers.
Her story is one of integrity, discipline, and service. She embodies leadership with purpose—balancing compassion with firmness, neutrality with courage, and authority with humility.
Her journey is a reminder that true leadership is not measured by titles, but by the lives touched, the trust earned, and the integrity upheld.
By AGNES MENANOPO
Solomon Star, Honiara
