BY JUNELYN KELLY
The Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIPF), through its Rural Area Policing Project (RAPPP), is making significant strides in building safer communities across the Western Province.
A statement from RSIPF on Wednesday, said a series of successful engagement activities were conducted in Western Province with the aim to strengthen relations with local communities, raise awareness on critical safety issue, and promote proactive measures to reduce crime, particularly during the festive season.
The comprehensive engagement programme includes visits to Saputo village in Vela la Vella, an awareness session at Gizo Market, and direct interactions with residents of Titiana Village.
During these visits, RSIPF officers provided crucial guidance on range of topics, including sea safety, community policing strategies, detrimental impacts of drugs crimes related to alcohol consumption, domestic violence prevention, and the Copen initiative.
The statement said community members actively participated in these sessions, raising questions and concerns directly with RSIPF officers.
This open dialogue fostered mutual understanding and highlighted the paramount importance of collaboration efforts between the police and communities to maintain safety and security.
Officer Commanding station (OSC) Sergeant Michelle Tulo of Parakasi police station emphasised the significance of these visits, especially during the festive season when crime rates tend to rise, RSIPF said.
The statement said RAPPP Advisor Kevin Shaw underscored the vitality of community collaboration, stating that supporting RSIPF in its community policing work is vital.
Judy Teinai, a resident of Titiana village, expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, that they are grateful to RSIPF for visiting their village and for sharing important safety messages.
She said they feel more connected to the police and from the support they received to help them keep their village secure.
Officer Derol Melo from the National Crime prevention Department (NCPD) described the engagement as a resounding success, noting the positive reception and the value of delivering key safety messages directly to those most affected.
This marks the third provincial visit conducted by RAPPP, following previous engagements in Tulagi and Malaita.
Further visit to other provinces is being planned for the new year, reinforcing ongoing efforts to strengthen community policing and safety nationwide.
Photo credit: RSIPF
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