Royal Solomon Islands Police Force officers have completed border surveillance and small boats training delivered by the Australian Defence Force as part of Exercise Coastwatchers, the Australian High Commission said.
The courses, including advanced training streams, were held across Guadalcanal, Western, Choiseul and Isabel provinces, giving officers practical experience in the environments where they are most likely to work.
The training focused on projecting police capability into remote locations, conducting surveillance operations, gathering intelligence and coordinating responses to potential criminal activity.
Participants developed skills in planning and conducting surveillance missions, using Parrot drones to monitor areas of interest, analysing and reporting information back to headquarters, and integrating surveillance work with broader police operations.
According to the release, the course was designed to strengthen the RSIPF's ability to protect Solomon Islands maritime resources, monitor its borders and respond to transnational crime such as the trafficking of illicit drugs.
Solomon Islands has one of the largest maritime areas in the Pacific, making border surveillance an important part of protecting the country's resources and communities, the high commission said.
Training combined classroom instruction with field-based scenarios. Officers learned how to collect and assess information, use technology to improve situational awareness, and report back to headquarters to support decision making and coordinated police action.
Acting Defence Adviser to Solomon Islands, Squadron Leader Brett Verity, said the training was designed to strengthen the RSIPF's ability to operate across the country and respond to emerging security challenges.
"This training has equipped RSIPF officers with advanced skills in surveillance planning, drone operations, information reporting and operational coordination, helping them respond effectively to potential threats wherever they occur," SQNLDR Verity said.
Exercise Coastwatchers is described by the high commission as the main training exercise between the Australian Defence Force and the RSIPF. This iteration runs from 31 August until 23 September.