New Zealander To Head To Solomon Islands Police

26 May 2008

Peter Marshall of the New Zealand Police is to be sworn in as the Acting Commissioner of the Solomon Islands Police Force (SIPF).

Mr Marshall, who has the rank of Assistant Commissioner in the NZ Police is on secondment to the Royal Solomon Islands Police as part of a bilateral arrangement between the two countries.

He has been there since February 2007 and is currently Deputy Commissioner Operations for the SIPF.

The former Commissioner, Mohammed Jahir Khan, was officially farewelled after a 12 month term at a ceremony in Honiara yesterday.

Deputy Commissioner Marshall says that this is an exciting time for the Solomon Islands Police Force and he is looking forward to continuing the close working relationship with RAMSI's Participating Police Force (PPF).

"This will be a new beginning in the partnership with the PPF as they provide the basis of good support to the capability development of the SIPF without which the people of the Solomon Islands would be greatly disadvantaged.

"As the Acting Commissioner I have the responsibility to ensure law and order is maintained and I'm confident the very capable SIPF officers can respond in a positive way for the betterment of the Solomon Islands," he said.

Deputy Commissioner Marshall congratulated Commissioner Khan on achieving results in community policing and for his dedication to the position.

"Community policing is very important for the Solomon Islands and Commissioner Khan has coordinated a number of very successful initiatives in this area, including the launch of community programs in Tetere and police open days.

Deputy Commissioner Marshall will be officially sworn in as Acting Commissioner over the next few days.

He will continue in the role until until the Solomon Islands Government advertises for and appoints a replacement for former Commissioner Khan. It is not known how long the process will take.

ENDS

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