RSIPF in Border visit communities in Shortland Islands
Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers serving at the common border between Solomon Islands (SI) and Papua New Guinea (PNG) have visited communities and villages in and around the Shortland Islands on 20 December 2020.
Police Forward Command Post (PFCP) Commander, Kulitanai Police Station, Superintendent Collin Pitakesa says, “The purpose of the visit is to conduct awareness program to communities in Shortland Islands throughout this festive season and New Year period.”
Superintendent Pitakesa says, “As part of the awareness, the ongoing police operation to monitor the common border crossing still continue on during this current COVID-19 pandemic. Border restriction still in place and I would like to let our people know that police have step up its capability through the Australian Government funded drones to provide observation at the border. The drones are part of police patrol assets and are include in the police operation which gives aerial support to police.”
Commander Pitakesa says, “Officers at the Kariki base in Fouro Island have visited Kariki village and conducted awareness program to the community. Police will provide zero tolerance to any breach of law and order during this New Year celebration.”
“Police will severely deal with people who use marijuana, kwaso, making homebrew and disorderly behaviors in our communities. Coronavirus is still a great threat to our country therefore may I encourage us to focus on hygiene practices and practice social distancing. Do not try to cross the border as police will be continuing with its patrols.”
He says, “Police is currently using drones to boost its operations at the border. The drones are police assets just as any police boats, vehicles or any other police properties. The drones should be respected and people must not try to throw rocks at it or afraid of seeing it flying around the coastal areas.”
Kariki Village organizer Mr James Kito on behalf of the chiefs, elders, leaders and the Kariki community, thanked the police for awareness program and are looking forward to work in partnership with police as the border operation continues.
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