RSIPF Drone Support Unit officers and RAPPP Advisors gather following the handover, while Drone Support Unit officer Christopher tests the new FPV drone.
RSIPF strengthens drone capability to support community safety and emergency response
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Drone Support Unit has strengthened its operational capability following the donation of a DJI Avata 2 First Person View (FPV) drone and a high-performance laptop computer through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
The new equipment will enhance the RSIPF’s ability to support frontline policing, emergency response and search and rescue operations across Solomon Islands by providing real-time aerial intelligence in challenging environments.
The FPV drone allows trained operators to safely navigate through buildings, confined spaces and areas that may be difficult or dangerous for officers to access, helping to improve operational awareness while reducing risks to police personnel.
The capability can support a range of activities including search and rescue operations, disaster response, crime scene assessments and specialist police operations.
The donation also includes a high-performance laptop computer that will assist the Drone Support Unit to process and analyse aerial imagery and video captured during operations. The enhanced technology will improve situational awareness and support faster decision-making during critical incidents.
Together, the new technology provides the Drone Support Unit with an integrated capability that can support a broad range of policing and emergency response activities across Solomon Islands.
To support the introduction of the new capability, the Drone Support Unit is developing a structured training program to ensure operators can safely and effectively utilise FPV technology in operational environments while maintaining the highest aviation safety standards.
Officer in Charge of the RSIPF Drone Support Unit, Sergeant Molly Puiarah, welcomed the donation, saying the new equipment will further strengthen the unit’s ability to support frontline policing operations across Solomon Islands.
“The addition of FPV technology, together with a high-performance operational laptop, significantly increases our capability to provide real-time intelligence and support to officers on the ground. These tools allow us to gather critical information while keeping our members out of harm’s way whenever possible. We are grateful to RAPPP for its continued investment in building the capability of the RSIPF Drone Support Unit.”
The RSIPF Drone Support Unit continues to evolve as a nationally recognised specialist capability, supporting frontline policing, emergency response and community safety throughout Solomon Islands.
Delivered in partnership with the Australian Federal Police under RAPPP, the initiative supports the ongoing development of modern policing capabilities that help the RSIPF respond more effectively to operational challenges while enhancing safety for officers and the communities they serve.
RAPPP Advisor Scott Caulfield officially hands over the new FPV drone and high-performance laptop to PRD Director Inspector Phillip Seda, witnessed by Drone Support U
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