THE new police commissioner Frank Prendergast paid his first visit toAuki, Malaita province yesterday after taking up the new post.
Commissioner Prendergast and his delegation landed at Gwanaru’u airport by chopper in the open arms of the provincial police commander Alfred Uiga and his team who welcomed them and escorted them to Auki police station.
At the Auki police headquarters a parade was mounted for the police boss.
The short visit was part of the new commissioner’s plan to meet with the provincial police officers since taking up the office five weeks ago in Honiara.
In an interview with the Solomon Star in Auki, the police commissioner said that the visit was to meet provincial officers and hear issues affecting the Force in the country.
He said last week, he visited Western province.
“This is my first visit to Auki since taking up the post,” the Police chief said.
He added that he was very happy with the visitation.
During his short visitation, Mr Prendergast managed to speak with the RSIPF officers at Auki about leadership qualities that needs to be improved.
He said that RSIPF must be a well-disciplined Force and its officers must be accountable in their profession.
“RSIPF must work hard to be the best police in the pacific,” he stated.
The new commissioner added that police needs to improve their engagement with the community and response to community concerns.
Following the successful visit yesterday Mr Prendergast will visit Isabel and then to Makira.
By LUCIO SANGA
In Auki
