The Australian Federal Police (AFP) wants to help the local police force, the Royal Solomon Islands Police (RSIP) to reach a professional level in policing.

This was according to the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mick Keetly, who is in the country for the RSIP parade and re-dedication of the Police Academy in Honiara.

Mr. Keetly in giving his address said that the Police Academy is a very important unit that helps to build police skills and professionalism.

He assured the local police force that "AFP will always be there if the RSIP needs any help".

"We want to help you to build this force a professional organization," Mr. Keetly said.

He said the presence of the AFP at the re-dedication ceremony of the Police Academy signifies the continuous support that the AFP wants to give.

"We are proud to help the Solomon Islands police," Mr. Keetly said of the $400,000 that AFP has given to the local force.

Both the Acting Commissioner of the RSIP, Peter Marshall, and the Australian Federal Police Commissioner, Mr. Keetly, inspected the parade and unveiled the plaque for the new Academy.

Archbishop Adrian Smith blessed the new Academy at this morning's ceremony that signifies another milestone to the development of the local force.