Police Service to Improve with additional 61 Vehicles says RSIPF chief

Sponsored Advertisement

Commissioner of Police Mostyn Mangau says police service to the public will be significantly improved following the delivery of 61 vehicles by the Australian government yesterday.

Australia has already handed over 31 of the vehicles as part of its support for police work during the 54th Pacific Islands Forum Leaders Meeting (PIFLM) in Honiara next month.

When asked by SBMOnline whether the donation would strengthen policing, Mangau confirmed:
“Yes it will be. As this is the first time we have received more vehicles than ever.”

Prime Minister Jeremiah Manele said the vehicles have been fitted with operational equipment as requested by the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF). After the PIFLM, the vehicles will be handed over to police for nationwide operations, with some to be shipped to the provinces.

Manele also urged officers to take good care of the fleet. Members of the public often complain of “no vehicle response” when calling police to attend to law-and-order issues.

A senior police officer told SBMOnline the vehicles were bought locally, ensuring that repairs and spare parts will not pose a major challenge.

The total cost of the donation exceeds $28 million.