The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Police Prosecution Department (PPD) engaged in the use of its Video Conference Equipment for a virtual court simulation that occurred on 26 August 2021.
The virtual court simulation arose out of a joint meeting chaired by the Office of the Deputy Chief Magistrate, Ricky Iomea, with relevant stakeholders namely, the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), the RSIPF PPD, the Public Solicitors Office (PSO), the Central Watch-House and the Correctional Service of Solomon Islands (CSSI).
The virtual court simulation applied a real life case concerning a ‘Quick Disposal’ matter emanating from the Central Criminal Investigation Department via the holding of the accused at Central Watch-House through to the courts. Lawyers in the PSO represented the defendant while the prosecution of the matter was in the carriage of the PPD. The court was presided over by Principal Magistrate Leonard Chite.
Director, PPD, Chief Superintendent Rodney Wheatney said the exercise is to test the capability of our systems including others in the case of a complete lockdown and subsequent restrictions.”
Director Wheatney further stated that this simulation exercise is to test various scenarios in any given lockdown and I am most pleased that the PPD including the PSO, the Courts, and the RSIPF were able to come on board on this occasion and deliver it.”
He says the simulation exercise was an excellent display of the PPD working well with the Honiara Central Magistrates’ Court Registry, Central CID, Central Watch-House, and the PSO in meeting the requirements of virtual communication prior to the holding of the court during court and post court proceedings.
“I am also particularly thankful to the Solomon Island Government Information Communication Technology Services for coming on board at very short notice to assist in setting up the Video Conference Equipment in our offices. The virtual court proceedings held is a first for Solomon Islands,” says Director Wheatney.
-RSIPF Press