The Australian Defence Force (ADF) handed over a new radio communications system to the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) at an event at Rove Police headquarters last week. 

Known as the RSIPF VHF Communications Network, this new network provides highly reliable voice communications across Honiara, including the capability to track each radio on a digital map and press an emergency button in a crisis for additional support. 

Defence Advisor to Solomon Islands Colonel Justin Bywater said this equipment was the same as what police used in Australia. 

“This technology is a great asset for the RSIPF, especially for use during the Pacific Games. It will make communication easier, and keep officers safer, especially during major events,” Colonel Bywater said.

The radio network was handed over at the same time as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) handed over upgrades to the RSIPF’s Police Operations Centre (POC).

The radios have in-built GPS trackers, which can be followed on maps projected on the screens in the upgraded POC.

Permanent Secretary Karen Galokale said this technology was incredibly impressive and provided the RSIPF with a state-of-the-art capability. 

“This technology is very valuable to the RSIPF and reflects the strong and mature partnership the RSIPF has with both the ADF and AFP,” Galokale said. 

“I commend the Australian Government for their continuous security support. Australia has always been with us on this journey, every step of the way,” she added.

Overall, the project is worth more than SBD$37 million and includes more than 250 radios with ongoing training, sustainment, and maintenance. 

More than 600 RSIPF officers have been trained to use the new system.

_{DFAT Press release}