Dear Editor, the concept of Community Policing projects in the RSIP is not a new concept within the Police. I can remember the former Commissioner of Police, Commissioner Frank Short was very aware of the need for the RSIP to become closer to the people when he worked tirelessly to establish community police posts throughout the Islands. One such success was the building and opening of the White River Police Post in Honiara just prior to the ethenic tension. It was through the efforts of the former Commissioner that funding was raised to have this post built because in his wisdom he saw the value in getting the Police to work with the community at grass roots level to ensure a better working relationship was developed. The opening of the White River community Police post was proof of his foresight and it was a wonderful occasion when the post was officially opened. If Commissioner Short had remained as Commissioner, I am convinced there would now have been many such Police posts throughout the Islands. I consider Commissioner Short to have been the mastermind behind such an initiative and I am pleased to see Commissioner Marshall is following in his footsteps.

Charles Hosking
Senior Superintendent