New Zealand Police staff currently deployed to Solomon Islands have all been accounted for and are helping with the emergency response.
Seventeen police officers – five women and 12 men of various ranks – are there under the Regional Assistance Mission to the Solomon Islands (RAMSI). New Zealand is one of 13 Pacific nations contributing to the participating police services.
Staff based at Police National Headquarters in Wellington were able to speak to the Contingent Commander, Superintendent Ged Byers, by phone this morning (Saturday, 5 April).
“Our staff are all fine but busy,” says Superintendent Stu Wildon, National Manager of the International Service Group. He understands they are supporting members of the Solomon Island Police Force with activities such as foot patrols, manning incident response units and providing advice and general support.
The officers are mostly based in and around Honiara. Their normal role is to provide mentoring, support and advice on a range of policing functions including criminal investigations, youth and alcohol, community policing, family violence and road policing.
Note to media: Superintendent Wildon will not be available for further comment until Monday.