12 police officers graduate on IMAS level 1 in Honiara
Regional law enforcement officers were among the 12 officers who graduated at Hells Point in Honiara on International Mine Action Standards (IMAS) level 1 on Thursday 28 March 2024.
Among the 12 who graduated are four officers from the Papua New Guinea Defence Force (PNGDF), one from the Royal Papua New Guinea Constabulary (RPNGC), two Nauru police officers and five Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) officers.
RPNGC and PNGDF pose for a photo after the graduation ceremony
The five RSIPF officers are from the provincial police stations and will be the ones attending reports from the communities and passing information to the EODD. This now provides more bomb specialists across Solomon Islands.
Speaking during the graduation ceremony, Deputy Secretary for National Security from the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services Mr. Trevor Unusu said the professionalism, dedication and level of commitment displayed during the course formed a vital part in bringing more difference in policing at the officers’ respective jurisdictions and within the Pacific region.”
Deputy Secretary for National Security from the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services Mr. Trevor Unusu
“I take this opportunity to thank the Australian High Commission in Solomon Islands through Australian Defence Force (ADF) for their unwavering support. With this support, two ADF EOD mentors have been here to mentor the instructors and help where necessary.”
“From the ministerial level, we will ensure whatever means of support we can provide as I am aware most of you will be coming back for IMAS level II training. On behalf of the Solomon Island Government let me congratulate you for your success,” Mr Unusu said.
Two officers from Nauru police pose for a photo with their IMAS level 1 certificate
Student Representative Chief Sergeant Richard Kelola of the RPNGC acknowledged the RSIPF Commissioner for inviting them for the very challenging training which is internationally recognised.
“The training is all types of explosives ordnance, type of fuses in military explosive and detonators involved in firing. The training helps us on how to respond to reports of unexploded ordnance (UXOs)”.
Student Representative Chief Sergeant Richard Kelola of the RPNGC speaking on behalf of the students
“The skills and knowledge we gained here will help us to mitigate and dispose of items safely without anyone being hurt. We will go back and enforce what we have learnt here,” Mr Kelola said.
The four weeks training commenced on 2 March and concluded on 28 March 2024.
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Police media