MEMBERS of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force from throughout the country are this week in Honiara undergoing community policing training supported by the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands Participating Police Force (RAMSI PPF).
The 30 RSIPF officers are undertaking the B.L.A.S.T (Blue Light Alternative Strategy for Teenagers) training which teaches the officers how to provide support and help for young people to learn the skills that will help them to succeed in their endeavours.
The one-week training is delivered by Warren Sloss, Program Manager of the New Zealand Blue Light Ventures INC. Mr Sloss is visiting Solomon Islands to deliver the training.
At the end of the training the RSIPF Officers should be able to teach young people in the communities how to:
· Work with others in a team to achieve a goal;
· Built trust levels with others;
· Learn strategies for problem-solving;
· Had the experience of being trustworthy;
· Learn the importance of asking for support when required;
· Set goals for the future;
· Increase self-confidence;
· Become successful in overcoming challenges; and
· Think of mistakes as learning situations.
“The RSIPF strongly believes that such training will enable its officers to improve their relations with members of their communities so that members of the communities will treat them with greater respect,” said Acting RSIPF Commissioner, Juanita Matanga.
“The B.L.A.S.T training will improve relations allowing members of the communities to have more trust and less fear of police; and have a safer community,” said RAMSI PPF Commander, Greg Harrigan.
As part of the training, participants will visit several schools in Honiara to put into practice what they have learnt with students.