Royal Solomon Islands Police Force#Maritime Department

• 1893 – The British Solomon Islands Protectorate was established and in 1899 encompassed the German Solomon Islands.{{cite web|title=Solomon IslandsArticle Free Pass|url=http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/553556/Solomon-Islands/53970/History|publisher=britannica.com|access-date=3 February 2014}}{{cite web|title=Solomon Islands|url=http://www.worldstatesmen.org/Solomon_Islands.html|publisher=worldstatesmen.org|access-date=3 February 2014}}{{cite web|title=British Solomon Islands Protectorate c.1906–1947 (Solomon Islands)|url=http://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/sb1906.html|publisher=crwflags.com|access-date=3 February 2014}}{{cite web|title=UK and Solomon Islands|url=https://www.gov.uk/government/world/solomon-islands|publisher=gov.uk|access-date=3 February 2014}}{{cite web|title=U.S. Relations With the Solomon Islands|url=https://2009-2017.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2799.htm|publisher=state.gov|access-date=3 February 2014}}

• 1922 – Protectorate constabulary strength increased to 153 officers by 1922.

• 1940 – During the war, most police became Coastwatchers including the heroic Jacob C. Vouza.Toland, John. The Rising Sun: The Decline and Fall of the Japanese Empire 1936–1945 p 366 Random House New York 1970

• 1945 – The armed Constabulary was reconstituted following the war.

• 1950 – The police band was formed.

• 1954 – A Queen's Regulation issued renamed the force as the Solomon Islands Police Force – approved establishment was eight commissioned officers and 200 sub-officers and constables.

• 1974 – All police stations were linked by a radio network.

• 1975 – John Holloway is appointed the first RSIPF Commissioner of Police in July 1975, until 1982.

• 1978 – ‘Royal’ was added to the title of the police force.

• 2003 – Between 1998 and 2003 unresolved land issues lead to significant civil conflict, the tensions, and a major break-down of law and order. On the request of the Governor-General, an international response was organised, the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands (RAMSI), led by Australia, which restored peace arriving on 24 July 2003.{{cite web|url=http://www.ramsi.org/about-ramsi/ |title=About RAMSI - Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands |publisher=Ramsi.org |access-date=25 August 2015}} The RSIPF was disarmed following the ethnic conflict, and RAMSI temporarily provided the armed policing and response capability. RAMSI subsequently rebuilt local capacity in the areas of police, corrections and justice and gradually transferred its powers to local authorities.{{cite web|title=Australian Government|url=https://www.acmc.gov.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/04/5392R-CIVMILCOE-Working-Papers-A4-WEB-BOOKLET-4-Fepuleai.pdf|website=Civil Military working paper 4/2010|access-date=22 August 2015}}

• 2013 – The Military Component of RAMSI (Combined Task Force-CTF) withdrew in mid 2013 and by January 2015 the police component of RAMSI had reduced to approximately 152 officers.

• 2014 – Following Cyclone Ita RSIPF provided a lead response where an estimated 52,000 people were affected by floods and 23 people died. Initially over 10,000 people were displaced and relocated in 30 evacuation centres, largely in Honiara. Approximately 2,000 people required longer-term assistance as a result of lost or severely damaged homes.

• 2015 – Efforts underway to rearm the RSIPF.{{cite news|title=The draw down strategy|url=http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/3056-the-draw-down-strategy|access-date=22 August 2015}}{{cite news|title=Malaita provincial assembly supports Govt's decision on staged limited re-amament of RSIPF|url=http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/7967-malaita-provincial-assembly-supports-govt-s-decision-on-staged-limited-re-amament-of-rsipf|access-date=22 August 2015}}{{cite news|title=Police heads to help in rearmament process|url=http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/7272-police-heads-to-help-in-rearmament-process|access-date=22 August 2015}}{{cite news|title=R.S.I.P.F REARMAMENT RECEIVED COMMUNITY SUPPORT|url=http://www.sibconline.com.sb/r-s-i-p-f-rearmament-received-community-support/|access-date=22 August 2015}}

• 2023 – In July, a police cooperation agreement was signed between Governments of Solomon Islands and the Peoples Republic of China, for three years including training, equipment supply, riots, communication systems, autopsy laboratory, police academy, and advisory support.{{cite web |title=Inside the SI-PRC Police Cooperation agreement |url=https://solomons.gov.sb/inside-the-si-prc-police-cooperation-agreement/ |website=Solomon Islands Government |publisher=Solomon Islands Government |access-date=21 February 2025 |date=19 July 2023}}{{cite news |title=Solomon Islands signs controversial policing pact with China |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/jul/11/solomon-islands-signs-controversial-policing-pact-with-china |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=The Guardian |date=11 July 2023}} This extended to drones and uniforms, whilst the Australian government was concerned about continuing as the country's major security partner.{{cite news |title=China sending more police, donating equipment including drones to Solomon Islands for Pacific Games |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-11-01/china-sending-more-police-to-solomon-islands-for-pacific-games/103048778 |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=1 November 2023}} By December 2024, the Australian govnerment increased policing support to the country.{{cite news |last1=NEEDHAM |first1=Kirsty |title=Australia boosts police support for Solomon Islands amid rivalry with China |url=https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/australia-boost-police-support-solomon-islands-2024-12-20/ |access-date=21 February 2025 |work=Reuters |date=20 December 2024}}

The RSIPF is headed by the Commissioner for Police who report to the Minister of Police, National Security, Correctional Services. Historically, several Commissioners have been expatriates under contract. On 22 December 2006, an Australian Federal Police officer, Shane Castles, then serving as the Commissioner under a contract funded by the Australian government was declared by the Solomon Islands Government to be an "undesirable immigrant" while he was out of the country and was not allowed to return.{{cite news|title=Appointment of an Australian as Solomon Islands Police Chief|url=http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/programmes/datelinepacific/audio/20143112/appointment-of-an-australian-as-solomon-islands-police-chief|access-date=22 August 2015}}

The RSIPF structure includes two deputy commissioners. The Deputy Commissioner Operations manages the portfolios of 'National Capital and Crime Prevention' and 'Provincial Policing', both of which are supervised by assistant commissioners. The Deputy Commissioner National Security and Operations Support managed the portfolios of 'National Operations' and 'Corporate Support', again both of which are supervised by assistant commissioners.

The RSIPF Police Media Unit reports directly to the Chief of Staff.

The RSIPF Professional Standards and Internal Investigations Unit monitors police discipline and performance.

The Solomon Islands Government has approved the staged, limited rearmament of the RSIPF including the Police Response Team (PRT) and the Close Personal Protection (CPP) Unit.{{cite web|url=http://www.ramsi.org/works/firearms/ |title=Reintroduction of firearms into RSIPF - Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands |publisher=Ramsi.org |access-date=25 August 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Tlozek|first1=Eric|title=Solomon Islands police train to carry guns for first time in 13 years in 'limited rearmament'|url=http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-09-24/solomon-islands-police-train-to-carry-guns/7862820|access-date=11 March 2017|work=ABC News|date=14 September 2016}} In May 2017, the RSIPF was rearmed with pistols and shotguns with 125 officers from the PRT and CPP trained to use firearms.{{cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Liam |title=Solomon Islands rearms police force as country marks a new chapter |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-05-09/solomon-islands-begins-limited-rearmament-of-police-force/8509118 |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=ABC News |agency=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |date=9 May 2017}}{{cite news |title=After almost 14 years, the Solomon Islands Police force now has guns |url=https://www.sibconline.com.sb/after-almost-14-years-the-solomon-islands-police-force-now-has-guns/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Solomon Islands Broadcasting Corporation |date=8 May 2017}}{{cite news |title=Solomons police armed for first time since 2003 |url=https://www.rnz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/330292/solomons-police-armed-for-first-time-since-2003 |access-date=15 December 2023 |work=Radio New Zealand |date=8 May 2017}} In 2022, Australia donated sixty Daniel Defense MK18 rifles and provided training to PRT officers.{{cite press release |title=PM Sogavare and delegates witness the RSIPF firearm capability demonstration in Honiara |url=https://solomons.gov.sb/pm-sogavare-and-delegates-witness-the-rsipf-firearm-capability-demonstration-in-honiara/ |access-date=15 December 2023 |website=Solomon Islands Government |date=6 July 2022}}{{cite press release |title=AFP helps boost RSIPF capability to keep communities safe and secure |url=https://www.afp.gov.au/news-centre/media-release/afp-helps-boost-rsipf-capability-keep-communities-safe-and-secure |website=Australian Federal Police |access-date=15 December 2023 |date=2 November 2022}}

Under the Police Act 2013, the RSIPF is also responsible for fire services and maintains a fire service in Honiara and the major provincial capitals.

File:RSIPV Taro in Cockburn Sound, May 2021 04.jpg

The RSIPF Maritime Department provides the RSIPF's maritime capability and conducts operational patrols and patrols of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and Solomon Islands Borders for fisheries, immigration and national security purposes. RSIPF Maritime operates the one Pacific-class patrol boat, RSIPV Auki (04), and the new Guardian-class patrol boat RSIPV Gizo (05). The Gizo replaced the other Pacific-class patrol boat, RSIPV Lata (03), when it was commissioned on 19 December 2019, and when the second Guardian-class vessel enters service in 2022, the Auki will presumably also be replaced and disposed of.

Australia started delivering Guardian class patrol vessels to replace the Pacific class vessels in 2018. Australia committed to provide two new vessels to replace the RSIPF vessels. The then-Commissioner Matthew Varley announced on 26 January 26, 2019 of the expansion of the Force's mooring space, to accommodate the larger Guardian class vessels, which would be undertaken in 2019.

In 2020 and 2021, Australia provided a squadron of several {{convert|9.2|m|ft}} in-shore patrol craft.

The department acts as the country's de facto navy.{{cite web |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2022/08/2122115dfbb3-japans-msdf-solomon-islands-hold-1st-drill-amid-china-tension.html | title=Japan's MSDF, Solomon Islands hold 1st drill amid China tension }} In June 2023, MD officers were rearmed with Glock pistols.{{cite press release |title=RSIPF Maritime rearm with Glock pistol |url=https://www.rsipf.gov.sb/?q=node/2658 |website=Royal Solomon Islands Police Force |access-date=15 December 2023 |date=6 June 2023}} In December 2023, the two Guardian class patrol boats were armed with FN Herstal M2 {{convert|12.7|mm|in|abbr=on}} machine guns.{{Cite news |last=Felton |first=Ben |title=Solomon Islands to arm patrol boats |url=https://www.australiandefence.com.au/news/news/solomon-islands-to-arm-patrol-boats |date=7 December 2023 |access-date=7 December 2023 |work=Australian Defence Magazine |language=en}}{{cite web |title=Pacific Maritime Security Program |url=https://www.defence.gov.au/programs-initiatives/pacific-engagement/maritime-capability |website=Australian Department of Defence |access-date=14 December 2023}}{{cite press release |title=RSIPF Guardian Class Patrol Boat will now be armed |url=https://solomons.gov.sb/rsipf-guardian-class-patrol-boat-will-now-be-armed/ |website=Solomon Islands Government |access-date=15 December 2023 |date=7 September 2023}}

{{Reflist|colwidth=30em|refs=

{{cite news

| url = https://www.solomontimes.com/news/australia-delivers-rsipf-a-further-two-aluminum-fast-boats/10631

| title = Australia Delivers RSIPF a Further two Aluminum Fast Boats

| work = Solomon Times

| author =

| date = 15 February 2021

| page =

| location =

| isbn =

| language =

| trans-title =

| archiveurl =

| archivedate =

| accessdate = 14 February 2021

| quote = Dr Strahan said the two new boats had been delivered in addition to two aluminum fast boats gifted to the RSIPF in 2020, which boosted operations at the western border, including in relation to COVID-19 preparedness.

}}

{{cite news

| url = http://www.sibconline.com.sb/new-wharf-for-new-patrol-boats/

| title = New wharf for new patrol boats

| work = SIBC

| date = 26 January 2019

| access-date = 26 January 2019

| quote = {{'}}The new Guardian class patrol boat is some 10 meters longer, and bigger than the current patrol boats, it has a large spread of capabilities, and a much larger range of sailing,{{'}} he said. {{'}}Its so big that we gonna have to upgrade the maritime base to fit it, and that work will go on this year.{{'}}

}}

{{cite news

| url = http://www.solomonstarnews.com/index.php/news/national/item/20504-rsipf-thank-australian-gov-t

| title = RSIPF thank Australian gov't

| work = Solomon Star News

| date = 15 June 2018

| access-date = 16 June 2018

| quote = Commissioner Varley explains: “The new Guardian class of patrol boats will be much larger with increased capacity and extended range compared to the current Pacific class of patrol boats. This will be great especially for patrolling of Solomon Islands large maritime border.”

}}

}}

• [http://www.rsipf.gov.sb/ Royal Solomon Islands Police Force]
• [https://2001-2009.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2006/78791.htm State.gov]
• [http://www.isiservicescorp.com/mjcpatch.html Isiservicescorp.com]
• [http://www.solomonstarnews.com/news/national/14460-langsley-officially-takes-up-post- Solomonstarnews.com]
• [http://www.radionz.co.nz/international/pacific-news/253310/new-solomons-police-commissioner-sworn-in Radionz.co.nz]
• [http://theislandsun.com/rsipf-welcomes-13th-police-commissioner/ theislandsun.com]

{{Oceania topic|Law enforcement in}}

Category:Law of the Solomon Islands

Solomon