Sporting equipment is handed over to chiefs from Kubolota Village.
Safer communities, stronger policing in Isabel Province
RSIPF officers have delivered specialist policing awareness and training in Isabel Province, strengthening local police capability and helping communities better recognise and report safety concerns. The activity was supported through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
Officers from Buala Police Station, Tatamba Police Outpost and Kia Police Outpost participated in information-sharing sessions with RSIPF colleagues from the forensic and transnational crime units. Together, they explored forensic investigative techniques, RSIPF’s enhanced digital forensic and drug analysis capabilities, and emerging transnational crime threats affecting Solomon Islands and the wider Pacific region.
A key focus was illicit drug trafficking through the Pacific, including the use of semi-submersible vessels to avoid detection. Officers were introduced to Pacific Watch, which encourages police and communities to recognise, remember and report suspicious activity.
Three officers also completed targeted forensic training to support criminal investigations in Isabel Province, including forensic principles, crime scene recording, photography, and locating and collecting fingerprints.
The combined RSIPF team brought together Honiara City frontline, transnational crime and forensic officers to deliver community awareness sessions on crime prevention, drugs, community safety, human trafficking and financial crime. The sessions gave residents practical guidance on recognising warning signs and safely reporting concerns to police.
RAPPP’s Health, Wellbeing and Community Engagement (HWCE) team joined RSIPF officers to engage with residents, community leaders, teachers and students. During the visit, Buala Community Chairman Norman Tarai welcomed the team:
“We are very happy that RAPPP and RSIPF came to visit us. The information that was shared was very helpful,” Mr Tarai said.
Mr Tarai also noted Buala’s Community Policing Committee (CPC) had remained strong since its establishment last year.
In Kubolota Village, CPC women’s representative Mary Rakeli welcomed the visit and highlighted concerns around illegal alcohol sales and public nuisance. Kubolota Chief Michael Vasula said grassroots communities need practical information to help police tackle crime.
Students and teachers at Jejevo School asked RSIPF officers about policing, safety and issues affecting their communities. The visit helped young people better understand the role of police and how they can contribute to safer communities.
The visit builds on the longstanding police-to-police partnership between RSIPF and the AFP, which began through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI) in 2003 and has continued for more than two decades to strengthen policing and community safety. Through RAPPP, this partnership continues to support RSIPF provincial engagement and the sharing of practical safety information with communities. Malaita, Central and Western provinces have already received visits, with Buala marking RAPPP’s first provincial visit to Isabel Province.
As provincial visits continue, RSIPF and RAPPP will focus on strengthening police-community relationships, building awareness of emerging crime issues and encouraging communities to share information that can help police prevent and respond to crime.
A friendly game of tug-of-war helped create a relaxed space for police and the community to connect.
Forensic training officer Sgt Minnie Leigh discusses forensic principles with RSIPF officers.
RAPPP Advisor Fran Adams engages with children from the Buala community in Isabel Province.
RSIPF Officer Derol Melo speaks with students at Jejevo School about policing, safety and community responsibility.