BY LORETTA B MANELE

More police officers are showing interest in prosecution work.

According to Inspector Rodney Wheatney, Director of Police Prosecution, this was evident after they found out that more than 50 police officers had applied for the “Prosecutor Qualifying Course”.

Speaking at a ceremony on Monday this week to mark the opening of the course funded by Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), he stated that the application process for this course was rigorous and competitive.

Inspector Wheatney said they wanted officers who not only had the ability but also a genuine interest to serve in prosecutions.

“More than 50 officers applied for just 22 available places.

“Among those accepted are 12 officers from provincial stations-demonstrating that the interest and talent for prosecutions is spread right across our country,” he said.

Inspector Wheatney congratulated the 22 police officers who are now undertaking the course.

“To each of you who has been selected, congratulations, your acceptance is a recognition of your potential and your commitment,” he said.

He also took the opportunity to thank the government and people of Australia for funding this course.

“Before I close, I must pause to extend our gratitude to the government and people of Australia. The rollout of an intensive six-week course of this nature is beyond our current resources.

“Without their support, this program simply could not happen. On behalf of the RSIPF and the people of the Solomon Islands, I thank you sincerely for making this possible,” said Inspector Wheatney.

He reminded the police officers that the coming weeks will be challenging as the workload will be heavy with high standards along with a demanding training.

Despite this, the inspector raised that it is through this challenge that they will grow and acquire specialised legal advocacy skills that will serve them for the rest of their career.

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