Three officers from the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) have returned from the Australian and New Zealand Forensic Science Society (ANZFSS) 2025 Conference, held in Melbourne, Australia, from 12–16 October 2025, equipped with new knowledge and insights to strengthen forensic capability in the Solomon Islands.
The RSIPF delegation included Detective Inspector Garnette Kwanairara Jnr (Officer in Charge of Forensics), Detective Constable Frank Korai Jnr (Supervising Laboratory Coordination), and Detective Sergeant Aquinas Tanuqu (Crime Scenes In-Charge).
They were accompanied by RSIPF & Australian Federal Police (AFP) Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) Forensics Advisor, Merri Hurst.
The participation of RSIPF officers was made possible through funding support from the AFP’s Law Enforcement Cooperation Program.
The ANZFSS is a professional association that brings together scientists, police officers, pathologists, criminalists, and legal professionals actively engaged in forensic science.
The 2025 conference brought together hundreds of experts and practitioners from across Australia, the Pacific, and around the world, including representatives from Papua New Guinea, Fiji, and the AFP.
Throughout the week-long program, participants attended lectures, workshops, and exhibitions covering a wide range of topics such as illicit drug analysis, digital forensics, crime scene examination, quality and training, and the use of artificial intelligence in forensic science.
Broader sessions also focused on communication, leadership, health and wellbeing, and the challenges posed by emerging technologies in the criminal world.
As part of their visit, the RSIPF officers toured the AFP Southern Command Forensics Office, where they observed the digital forensics and drug examination laboratories and gained firsthand experience in advanced forensic procedures and equipment.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Detective Inspector Garnette Kwanairara Jnr said the experience was invaluable for enhancing the RSIPF’s forensic capacity.
“Attending the ANZFSS Conference was a remarkable opportunity to learn from international experts and witness the latest developments in forensic science,” he said.
He said, “The knowledge and skills we’ve gained will help us strengthen our investigations and improve the quality of forensic services in the Solomon Islands.”
The RSIPF’s participation in this international conference reflects the ongoing commitment of the RAPPP to build a modern, capable, and professional police force, supported by international collaboration and technical expertise.
– RSIPF
