The AFP, working in partnership with the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), is on the ground and in the air during the 2023 Pacific Games conducting tactical observations of sporting sites by helicopter and drone capabilities.
The AFP has been working closely with the RSIPF to help build operational capabilities and together identified a need for real-time intelligence to ensure police are able to respond quickly to areas with the most need.
The up-to-the minute information, provided from hundreds of meters above, has been enhanced by a strategic investment in building the drone capability of the RSIPF, in-country, providing access to world standard aerial surveillance.
Following a request by the RSIPF to enhance its local drone capability, the RSIPF and AFP Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP) has established a drone office, procured drones and equipment, including a designated vehicle to remotely launch the capability, and remote satellite internet connections to beam back images to the operational base.
Extensive training for drone pilots is also underway, with 12 RSIPF members achieving certification from the New Zealand Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
The drone capability allows police to gain an aerial advantage to ensure the safety of communities throughout the duration of the 2023 Pacific Games and beyond. The RSIPF is able to take the real-time feed of live events and make tactical decisions on where members will be best placed to ensure crowd safety.
Honiara has a number of logistical factors, including increased traffic in the sporting precinct, which can delay law enforcement deployment to incidents. Solomon Islands is hosting the games, with 5000 participants from 24 Oceania countries and territories competing in 24 sporting events.
The AFP, through the RAPPP and Solomons International Assistance Force (SIAF), has deployed an additional 100 AFP members to Honiara for the duration of the games. Amongst patrol and assistance duties, members are also conducting helicopter patrols of the sites to supplement the drone capability. Aerial Helicopter support to the PG23 is also being provided by the New Zealand Defence Force in coordination with the Australian Defence Force under SIAF.
AFP Commander Solomon Islands Heath Davies said that throughout the games, the AFP would provide support to the RSIPF through bolstering officer numbers and building necessary skills to underpin the operation.
"The AFP has a long-standing and well-stablished partnership with the RSIPF and we look forward to continuing this on the ground, and in the sky, for the 2023 Pacific Games," Commander Davies said.
"The AFP continues to support capacity building within the RSIPF and is ready to provide specialist capabilities and support, in partnership with the RSIPF specialist teams.
"I am immensely proud of the work the local AFP team have done here in Honiara to assist their policing colleagues in the RSIPF and help build a drone program using best practice principles."
