The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has officially received upgraded facilities for its International Affairs Department (IAD) and Forensics analysis equipment from the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
The handover ceremony held in December 2025 included a formal signing by former RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau and AFP Deputy Commissioner Lesa Gale.
The facility upgrades form part of RSIPF regional initiatives to address transnational, serious, and organised crimes in the Pacific, including the establishment of the RSIPF Transnational Crime Unit (TCU). Since its establishment, AFP Advisors through the RSIPF & AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) have supported RSIPF to build and maintain regional collaboration with TCUs across the Pacific and to strengthen relationships with law enforcement agencies to identify and target transnational crime.
This has included enhanced information sharing through the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) in Samoa and engagement with the Pacific Transnational Crime Network to improve criminal intelligence and investigative capability.
Following strategic leadership from the former Commissioner Mangau in 2024, RAPPP Advisors partnered with RSIPF Assistant Commissioner Patricia Leta and her team to deliver modern and fit-for-purpose infrastructure and security upgrades to the IAD workspace, which encompasses INTERPOL and the SI TCU.
The upgraded facilities enhance information security and strengthen INTERPOL and regional information and intelligence-sharing platforms.
The upgrades prevent unauthorised access and provide a secure environment for operational briefings. The initiative fulfils a key undertaking requested by the RSIPF Executive Leadership team.
RAPPP also provided RSIPF with forensic equipment and digital forensic software licences to support criminal investigations in Honiara and the provinces.
This includes personal protective equipment, cameras and accessories, fingerprinting equipment, collection consumables, presumptive drug test kits, and digital forensic software renewals.
The equipment ensures officers are equipped to safely examine crime scenes, collect exhibits, and conduct forensic analysis.
These upgrades, together with ongoing advisory support, continue to strengthen the investigative and intelligence capability of the RSIPF TCU, to meet current and future security challenges in the region, enhancing the security, safety and prosperity of Solomon Islands.
Former RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau said,“I am certain that the new office space will improve the work of our officers inside the transnational crime unit. I encourage members to work closely with our RAPPP Advisors, they are here to enhance our work and support the RSIPF in the interests of the safety and security in the Solomon Islands and our region”
– RSIPF
