RSIPF and AFP Strengthen Policing Partnership with Handover of TTC

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) today (14 August 2026) celebrates a strong and enduring partnership between the RSIPF-AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) during a handover of the refurbished Tactical Training Centre (TTC) to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).

This partnership is further strengthened through the handover of the Tactical Training Centre, marking another milestone in enhancing the capability, capacity, and professional development of the RSIPF.

This project began following a request from the RSIPF National Operations Portfolio to strengthen tactical and specialist training capability within the RSIPF.

The upgraded facility provides a central location where Operational Safety Training (OST), Police Response Department (PRD) and Close Personal Protection Department (CPPD) can train together, build skills and share expertise.

The TTC will support approximately 1,000 RSIPF members each year and play an important role in preparing both recruits and serving officers for operational duties.

Acting Commissioner RSIPF Mr James Aitorea, in his brief remarks, said the funding has delivered significant improvements to the TTC, including upgrades to training classrooms, kitchen facilities, ablutions and changing rooms; improvements to the training court; refurbishment of the surrounding grounds and road access; and the construction of a new leaf hut and outdoor facilities, including an upgraded oval to support training and operational activities.

Commissioner Aitorea said the funding is a significant investment in the future of the RSIPF and supports our continued growth as a professional and capable police service. This facility belongs to the RSIPF and will support the development of our people for many years to come.

Mr Aitorea said the facility will strengthen operational readiness, leadership and professionalism across the organisation. On behalf of the RSIPF, I thank our Australian partners for their continued support and commitment to Solomon Islands policing priorities.

The minister for police, national security and correctional services, the Honourable John Junior Tuhaika, speaking at the TTC handing over ceremony, says, “I am confident that this facility will make a significant contribution to the capability of the RSIPF.”

The minister for police acknowledged the AFP for its leadership and commitment to strengthening the capability and professional development of the RSIPF and acknowledged the government of Australia through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) for its sustained support and investment in strengthening the security and institutional capacity of Solomon Islands.

AFP Commissioner Krissy Barrett said, “For many years, the Australian Federal Police (AFP) has worked alongside the RSIPF through the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), the Solomon Islands Policing Development Program (SIPDP) and the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) to strengthen specialist policing capability and operational readiness.

When the RSIPF identified the need to upgrade its tactical training facilities, the Australian Government was pleased to support this important priority.

The TTC represents an Australian government investment of approximately SBD $5.5 million and has created local employment opportunities during construction while utilising materials sourced from communities across the Solomon Islands. It is an investment in infrastructure, but more importantly, it is an investment in people.

“It is my honour to formally hand over the TTC to the RSIPF.” May this facility continue to support the development of capable, professional and operationally ready officers for many years to come.” Said Commissioner Barrett.