ROYAL Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) contingent, led by Deputy Director of the National Response Department (PRT) Superintendent Lionel Kapisa have departed Honiara for Brisbane, Australia yesterday.
The contingent consists of ten National Response Department (NRD) officers from the Operational Safety Training Team, Armoury, Logistics Team and PRT.
The RAPPP program has been designed in partnership by the Australian Federal Police and RSIPF to ensure the future of the RSIPF is built upon a foundation of quality, independent and sustainable training.
The contingent will use a number of training venues and receive training from Australian Federal Police Operational Safety Training Instructors over a six-week period.
RAPPP Commander Paul Osborne says, “The RSIPF AFP Policing Partnership Program, (RAPPP) phase two rearmament project is a particular set of training which is the beginning of a major leap forward in the RSIPF capability and capacity in the area of specialist and tactical policing.”
These PRT officers will be trained by the AFP Operational Safety Trainers (OST) in one of the modern firearms training facilities in the Asia Pacific region.
“The training they were going to receive is world class and will enable them to return to Solomon Islands and deliver their own sustainable training for the RSIPF.” Says RAPPP Commander Osbourne.
RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau says, “This will be a milestone for the RSIPF organization and the training will better equip them to enhance their performance to the required standard in the near future to efficiently manage any situation that may arise.”
AC Thugea acknowledged the opportunity and support of the RAPPP and urged the contingent to make the most of the opportunity. AC Thugea stated this training would ensure the delivery of a new and advanced Operational Response Capability for the RSIPF.