As part of ongoing efforts to strengthen community policing, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) and Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) successfully conducted a community engagement program with the Motor Pool community recently at Henderson, East of Honiara drawing a large number of residents.
The initiative provided residents with the opportunity to interact directly with officers, ask questions, and learn more about the role of RSIPF and RAPPP in maintaining peace and security.
RSIPF Officer Gillian Nimanima, speaking to RAPPP Media, said the event highlighted the importance of partnership at the grassroots level.
“Our work becomes stronger when communities are involved,” Officer Nimanima further stated that community visits play a vital role in strengthening partnerships between the RSIPF and communities.
“This is more than just visitation and games; it’s about building understanding and mutual respect and also understanding that when police and residents work together, we can create safer neighborhoods for everyone.”
To ensure there was full participation, RSIPF and RAPPP provided hot-dogs and a barbeque meal.
They also donated sports equipment to promote healthy and active lifestyles among young people.
Community representatives welcomed the initiative. Chairlady of the Motor Pool Community Policing Taskforce, Mrs. Francina Lirma, said the program was vital in helping residents better understand the role of police and strengthen the work of the community taskforce.
“RSIPF and RAPPP’s visit has really helped us. It strengthens our Community Policing Taskforce, especially in implementing bylaws.
“The majority of our task force members are women, and many times we leave our children at home to carry out this work and maintain peace and harmony in our community,” Mrs. Lirma explained.
She further stressed the importance of police support in sustaining community-led initiatives.
“Communities need to know they can trust and rely on the RSIPF to maintain peace. We must work together to make sure our communities are safe and peaceful,” she added.
Mrs. Lirma also commended RSIPF and RAPPP for their efforts.
“Thank you RSIPF and RAPPP for visiting us, listening to us, and giving us the opportunity to ask questions,” she said.
Similar programs have been conducted in communities across Honiara and the provinces, with the most recent one held at Rifle Range, West Honiara.
These ongoing engagements form part of a wider RSIPF and RAPPP initiative introduced in 2021 to build stronger community partnerships, reduce crime, and promote safer neighborhoods across the Solomon Islands.
– RSIPF
