BY LORETTA B MANELE
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) is finalising it’s 10-year Strategic Plan 2026-2036.
Inspector Rodney Wheatney, Director of Police Prosecution Department gave a brief take on this whilst delivering remarks at the opening of the Prosecutor Qualifying Course for 22 police officers on Monday this week.
“At present, the RSIPF is finalising it’s ten-year Strategic Plan 2026-2036,” he said.
Wheatney explained that goal 3 of this plan focuses on developing a resilient and capable police workforce.
He said one of the key deliverables under that goal is the rollout of annual training programmes across specialised areas of policing with a specific reference to prosecutions.
“This Prosecutor Qualifying Course is therefore perfectly aligned with that vision- it is a direct contribution to building the professional capacity of our force,” said the inspector.
In relation, he emphasised how unique and specialised prosecution work is within the police force.
Inspector Wheatney said unlike lawyers, police prosecutors do not spend years in law school however they are required to stand in court every day and perform legal work of the highest standard.
“They must present evidence, examine and cross-examine witnesses, make legal submissions and argue cases with both skill and confidence,” he said.
The inspector highlighted that this is no small task thus why such training such as the Prosecutor Qualifying Course is essential to equip our officers with the legal knowledge, advocacy skills and discipline required to succeed in such a demanding role.
He also mentioned that as part of the professionalisation of prosecutions, he is also advocating for the introduction of a Prosecution Career Pathway.
Inspector Wheatney said prosecutions and investigations alongside forensics are among the most specialised areas of policing hence it makes sense to have a clear and structured process for the appointment and recognition of police prosecutors.
“A structured career pathway will do more than professionalise our department. It will give officers clarity on the processes they must follow to be appointed as prosecutors,” he said.
He furthered that, more importantly, this will give confidence to the Director of Public Prosecutions that police officers put forward for appointment are properly trained, tested and qualified to step into that role.
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