The AFP has refurbished the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force’s (RSIPF) Police Operations Centre (POC) to enhance the monitoring of major police operational activities ahead of the 2023 Pacific Games.
The AFP, through the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP), began the project in September 2022, which included a building renovation and upgrades to technology with the installation of an audiovisual wall.
The audiovisual wall will enable officers to watch live streaming of drone footage to monitor movement of crowds during the Pacific Games, track members via their radios as well as a number of other display options to enhance command and control during major operations.
The renovations also included the reconfiguration of the POC floor, construction of a briefing room and improved security.
The new POC was officially handed over to RSIPF yesterday, with the upgrades to allow officers to monitor planned operations or unplanned incidents more effectively as the country prepares to welcome thousands of people for the Pacific Games.
It is the first time Solomon Islands will host the games, with 5,000 participants from 24 Oceania countries and territories to compete in 24 sports from 19 November to 2 December, 2023.
AFP Acting Commander Clinton Smith said the upgraded POC was a big boost to the RSIPF’s capability ahead of the Pacific Games.
“The POC is the central hub for the RSIPF to monitor and assess the environment during major events and it’s important it is equipped with the latest technology for officers to effectively do their job,” Acting Commander Smith said.
“The AFP is proud to have supported the development of this project, which will be vital for the RSIPF to manage large scale events like the Pacific Games and the National General Election coming up next year.”
Solomon Islands Permanent Secretary of Police, National Security and Correctional Services, Ms Karen Galokale said the success of the RSIPF’s operational capability would be enhanced and strengthened in the new POC.
“Having this modern communication capability is incredibly important to ensuring a well-resourced Police Operations Centre,” Ms Galokale said.
“I commend the AFP and Australian Government for their continuous support to develop the capabilities and capacity of the RSIPF. Australia has always been with us on this journey every step of the way.”
The Australian Defence Force (ADF) also handed over more than 250 radios for RSIPF officers to use during the Pacific Games, as part of the most comprehensive communications project rolled out to the RSIPF to date.
The radios will ensure officers will be in constant communication during patrols of games venues and will allow members housed in the Police Operations Centre to track officers.
RSIPF Commissioner Mostyn Mangau and Ms Galokale formally accepted the handover of the POC from the AFP, ADF and Australian High Commissioner to Solomon Islands Rod Hilton.
The AFP and RSIPF have been working together in partnership to ensure preparedness for the delivery of a safe and green Pacific Games, as mandated by the Solomon Islands Government.
