8 Apr 2009

Solomon Islands Police Force accepts some blame in 2006 riots

8:45 am on 8 April 2009

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force has accepted some blame for the outbreak of violence during the Honiara riots in April 2006.

The findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Riots focussed on the failure of the police forces of both RAMSI and Solomon Islands.

One of the commission's main findings was that the riots occurred because the Police Force was not well equipped or trained adequately to deal with such situations and basically failed to control the rioting.

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force says it is now better equipped and prepared to deal with potential unrest in Solomon Islands.

The acting Police Commissioner, Walter Kola, says the RSIPF respectfully received the findings of the Commission of Inquiry tabled in Parliament.

Mr Kola says many of the policing issues raised by the Commission have already been acted on over the last three years.