Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) Superintendent Flotilda Sabino has reflected on her remarkable 23-year journey in law enforcement — a story of perseverance, resilience, and professional growth.
Superintendent Sabino’s journey is marked by challenges and triumphs, providing a glimpse into the realities of policing and the strength it demands, particularly from women in a traditionally male-dominated field.
She candidly shared that her initial motivation for joining the force was a personal one.
“I joined the force because I never wanted to get married. I thought that women police officers never married,” she admitted with a smile. But life had other plans — she married in 2015 and is now a proud mother of four.
Her first night shift as a new recruit was an intense and daunting experience, but it became the foundation of a fulfilling career.
After graduating from the Police Academy at Rove in 2002, she was first posted to the Central Police Station, where her duties ranged from patrolling the streets and investigating crimes to managing disputes and enforcing traffic regulations.
“The work was dynamic and demanding,” she said. “Every day brought something new.”
Her career then took her to the Guadalcanal Provincial Police, where she served as a Community Policing Officer, before transitioning to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as a Detective Officer. There, she spent five years handling a broad spectrum of cases, from minor offences to serious crimes.
She later joined the Professional Standards and Internal Investigations (PSII) Unit, investigating internal misconduct cases, and then moved to the Strategy Planning & Policy (SP&P) office, where she rose to the role of Coordinator over eight years.
Superintendent Sabino furthered her professional development by earning a Diploma in Administration from the Solomon Islands National University (SINU) and a Diploma in Leadership and Management from the Australia Pacific Training Coalition (APTC).
In 2016, she took up the position of Deputy Director of Police Human Resources. Three years later, she was promoted to Superintendent and now serves as the Support Manager for the Honiara City Policing jurisdiction at Central Police Station.
She described the policing profession as one of the most fulfilling and rewarding, noting that it gives officers a chance to make a real difference in the lives of others. “The role is a rich and rewarding one like no other,” she said. “You have the opportunity to protect communities, uphold the law, and solve problems that matter.”
However, she did not shy away from acknowledging the emotional and mental strain that comes with the badge. “Police officers face dangerous situations, long and irregular hours, and constant pressure. It can impact your wellbeing and personal life,” she explained. “Public scrutiny adds another layer of challenge, especially when perceptions of police work are negative.”
For women officers, the challenge often includes balancing demanding work with family responsibilities. But Superintendent Sabino believes the progress made by women in the RSIPF speaks volumes. “Even in the face of inequality and bias, women have proven time and again that they are capable across all areas of policing,” she said.
“Police women are unstoppable.”
Superintendent Sabino’s story is not only a testament to her personal determination but also an inspiration to others — showing that with courage and commitment, women can lead, serve, and thrive in the field of law enforcement.
Source: Press Release, RSIPF Media