POLICE REMAIN VIGILANT IN LEAD UP TO ELECTIONS: PRENDERGAST

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says it is remaining vigilant in the lead up to the country’s election in November.

Police Commissioner Frank Prendergast told a press conference last Thursday, the Police are expecting some disturbances during the election but they remain vigilant to deal with any disturbances.

Mr Prendergast urges citizens to inform the police of any planned disturbance during the election as the country already experienced certain crime related activities during the past elections.

Commissioner Prendergast is currently in Auckland, New Zealand attending the 43rd Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference.

Meanwhile, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force will tomorrow conduct a Public Order Management demonstration in efforts to upgrade its response capability for this year’s General Elections.

The demonstration will include live ammunition drills and is an exercise to prepare police response capabilities across the country.

Deputy Commissioner of Operation Gabriel Manelusi told SIBC News today, the exercise will involve provincial and Honiara based police officers.

“I’d like to inform the general public of Honiara that tomorrow morning you will see police will conduct an exercise. As you are aware, heard and have seen this week that police officers from the provinces; Malaita, Western and Guadalcanal have joined with those in Honiara and those at the Police Headquarters base for this major training exercise, level three, including few officers from the Correctional Services.”

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner of Operation has urged the Honiara public to stay calm during the demonstration.

Commissioner Manelusi said the exercise is to upgrade the police response capability ahead of the General Elections in November.

“I’d like to warn the general public of Honiara if you see police movement tomorrow morning don’t be frightened, this is a police exercise. The aim and objectives of the training exercise is to upskill the police response capability on level one and two and to capable experience the level three responds as seen vitally important in police preparations towards the general elections.”

SIBC News understands a demonstration will be at Hells Point, east of Honiara.