49 percent of new RSIPF officers are female
Police Minister, Hon Moses Garu inspecting the guard of honour. Photo: RSIPF
The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force welcomed 69 officers into its ranks at a graduation ceremony held today at Rove Police Headquarters. Nearly half are female.
Minister of Police, National Security and Correctional Services Hon. Moses Garu praised RSIPF for the gender balance in this year’s recruitment class.
“I am also pleased to note that during the past years, female officers have significantly improved performance through skills and knowledge gained during the training programs,” he said.
One of the new female recruits sharing a moment with her parents. Photo: RSIPF.
The recruits, who represent all provinces in Solomon Islands, graduated from the Mrs Hilda Kari 2017 Recruit Course as police constables.
During the ceremony, Commissioner of Police Mathew Varley told the officers to continually reflect on their oath in order to live up to community expectations.
“There will be times when your integrity will be challenged, when wantok culture will make it difficult for you,” Mr Varley said. “Remember that you are entrusted to rise above these pressures and uphold the laws of this country.”
The new officers will be posted to police stations across the country and serve two years as probationary constables before being confirmed as police constables.
By: Lowen Sei