12 Sep 2003

Solomons police, upset at probes of colleagues, no surprise to RAMSI chief

4:36 pm on 12 September 2003

The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands says it is not surprised that there is some disquiet over the arrest of several colleagues in recent weeks.

Solomons officers have been meeting today to discuss the work of the Australian-led intervention force amid concern about the probes.

Six officers, and a civilian have been arrested in the past three weeks and face a range of offences.

The RAMSI head Nick Warner says they are trying to rebuild the standards of a once highly regarded police force.

"and I think it is quite understandable that there are people in the police who would find that process threatening and worrying...what we are trying to show them is that this is the best chance for the RSIP, that we have the skills, we have the determination, we have the resources to help them turn their police force into a force that Solomon Islanders can be proud of and that they can be proud of again"