Victoria Police Deputy Commissioner Keiran Walshe concluded a four day visit to the Solomon Islands by taking part in the official inspection of RSIPF officers at Parade yesterday. It was followed up with a visit to Honiara City Police Station.

Deputy Commissioner Walshe enjoyed his tour of the Solomon Islands and has visited a number of the Victorian Police officers who are here through the RAMSI Participating Police Force as Police Advisors to the RSIPF.

Deputy Commissioner Walshe was also accompanied on this visit by a small delegation of Victoria Police Managers, including Commander Jim Hart who was particularly interested in visiting his Victorian Maritime Officers involved in the RAMSI PPF Advisor Program.

The delegation of Victorian Police Managers visited a number of areas in the Solomon Islands including Auki in Malaita Province. He also visited the RSIPF Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) ammunition storage facility at Hells Point.

The Victoria Police Managers also experienced village life first hand with an Outreach visit to Gifu Primary School at Mount Austin. Deputy Commissioner Walshe took the opportunity to meet and spoke to the school children during which he gave some advice on the importance of learning and working hard at school.

Deputy Commissioner Walshe was very impressed with the level of cooperation and teamwork displayed by both the RSIPF police officers and Victorian officers. He expressed his belief that Victorian Officers have not only provided advice but learnt something and gained experienced out from working with RSIPF officers.

"Victorian Police Officers are learning a great deal from the RSIPF police officers in relation to policing in a different country and policing different cultures," he said.

"Victorian Police has a long history of supplying police officers and will continue provide officers to the Solomon Islands through the RAMSI PPF Advisor Program as we recognise the importance of capacity building the RSIPF and we are keen to be a part of the future program," Deputy Commissioner Walshe said.


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