POLICE are urged to work more closely with people.
Dudley Samo who spoke on behalf of a group of prominent citizens told Solomon Star, Wednesday.
He said with the departure of the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in June, police need to work closely with people and communities to address criminal activities.
“I believe history or situation in the Solomon Islands can easily slip back if police and people or communities are not working together when RAMSI leaves the country.
“On behalf of the group, we are not saying this to trigger fear but to make sure police relationship with people and communities are sustained and maintain to a standard that can be trusted,” he said.
The concerned citizen said that RSIPF must initiate programs where communities are visited and awareness talks are held occasionally.
“Go down to the village and people’s level and work together with church leaders, community leaders to guarantee confidence.
“Be people focus and learn to respect people’s cultures and norms in order to gain respect,” he emphasized.
Mr Samo also commended and appreciated of policing work carried out by police in the communities and schools so far.
“If police works well and together with people, community leaders and church leaders, then we expect such criminal activities happening in town and in our communities to drop,” Mr Samo said.
Meanwhile, Solomon Star understands National Community Policing is one of the initiatives the RSIPF is carrying out in communities and schools to hold awareness talks to people since it was introduced few years ago.
By STEPHEN DIISANGO