14 Oct 2002

The Solomon Islands police force is to setting up an elite police unit

11:27 am on 14 October 2002

The Solomon Islands police force is setting up an elite police unit to help tackle its law and order problems.

The Assistant Commissioner of Police, Joseph Baetolingia, says the Special Operations Group will be a highly trained, tactical response unit of men and women that will lead armed operations in the Solomons.

Mr Baetolingia says while the focus of the training will be on specialist assistance and tactics, it will be underpinned by advanced courses in ethics, disciplined behaviours and accountability.

He told the Solomon Islands Broadcasting corporation that protection of life and property through negotiations will be the focus of the group's operations, but they will not be afraid of using force if it is required.

The unit will be part of of the Special Task and Rescue or Star Division, which is being set up to replace the Police Field Force