Police Takes 'New Approach'

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force is starting a new community approach in three locations in the country.

Speaking at a media conference yesterday, Police Commissioner, Peter Marshall, said police is re-establishing what some people might recall as the Area Constable model.

But Mr Marshall said they will now be called "Community Officers".

He said the officers will be the link between the community and the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force.

Mr Marshall said the community policing will be trailed in Avuavu, South Guadalcanal, Malu'u, North Malaita and North Vella Lavella in the Western Province.

Police Commissioner Mr Marshall said the community police officers will negotiate relatively minor disputes, able to settle issues in relation to willful damage, thefts and minor assaults.

He said the desire by his office and executive is to have community officers in the 130 wards in Solomon Islands.