RSIPF PRD officers outside AFP Headquarters during their visit to Australia as part of ongoing partnership training and capability development activities.
RSIPF PRD Strengthens Tactical Capability Through RAPPP Partnership Training
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Police Response Department (PRD) is continuing to strengthen its tactical and operational capability through specialist training delivered in partnership with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) under the RSIPF–AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
As the RSIPF’s tier-one tactical response capability, PRD plays a critical role in supporting high-risk operations and maintaining community safety and national security across Solomon Islands.
Over the past three years, PRD officers have worked closely with RAPPP tactical advisers to build leadership, instructor capability and specialist operational skills. Recent activities included the Team Leader Development Program, Close Quarter Tactics Instructor Training, and the Mechanical Breacher Training Program conducted in May 2026.
The mechanical breaching training introduced new tools and tactical entry techniques designed to improve operational readiness in a range of environments. The program also increased the number of qualified PRD instructors, helping strengthen the department’s ability to deliver its own specialist training in the future.
Throughout the training, AFP and RAPPP instructors shared operational knowledge and practical techniques with PRD officers, exposing participants to a variety of breaching methods suited to different operational scenarios. The training concluded with a full mission-profile exercise that demonstrated the capability of the breaching team and the effectiveness of the new equipment and techniques.
The training was supported by the RSIPF Commissioner and will assist PRD officers in reviewing and updating standing operating procedures and training manuals. It will also support the introduction of basic Method of Entry skills for future PRD officers through the direct-entry process following completion of the RSIPF Academy development program.
Before returning home, PRD officers travelled to Queensland to collect two Australian-manufactured ballistic shields that will replace existing operational equipment. The visit also provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships with Australian manufacturers and gain insight into the design and production of specialist tactical equipment built to international standards.
Recommendations and observations from PRD officers will help inform future planning between RSIPF and RAPPP as both organisations continue working together to strengthen operational capability and support the safety and security of Solomon Islands communities.
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RSIPF PRD officers undertake specialist tactical instruction at AFP Headquarters as part of joint capability development training.
RSIPF PRD officers conduct practical field exercises during specialist tactical training.
RSIPF officers receive new Australian-manufactured ballistic shields that will support future tactical and operational deployments within the Police Response Department.
RSIPF officers participate in specialist operational training involving tactical equipment and breaching tools during the Mechanical Breacher Training Program.
RSIPF officers carry out breaching and tactical response drills during specialist training designed to strengthen operational readiness and response capability
RSIPF officers carry out breaching and tactical response drills during specialist training designed to strengthen operational readiness and response capability.