Police explain request to arm officers at Parliament

Police clarify article with the title ‘Overturned of Police Request’ published on media

The Royal Solomon Island Police Force (RSIPF) would like to clarify an article published in the media with the title ‘Overturned of Police Request’.

RSIPF did send a request to the Speaker of Parliament seeking permission for the RSIPF and Solomon International Assistance Force (SIAF) officers on operation to carry arms, which are part of their uniform on the parliament precinct.

The request purposely to further strengthen their management of any public disorder incidents that may occur at the precinct, whilst providing safety and security to the public, the parliamentarians and to protect the sovereignty of the parliament.

It is a normal police procedure in any global law enforcement to disclose operational information to the right designated person. The operational information can be detrimental if it is provided to the wrong hands.

The RSIPF as an independent body has to be independent in carrying out its roles. Therefore, its operational information can only be provided to the approved individuals due to security purposes. 

RSIPF Joint Operations with SIAF will continue to maintain law and order during the parliament sitting period.