Royal Solomon Islands Police Force join UK leadership programme
Two Solomon Islands police officers began a month-long UK leadership course as part of a regional policing initiative supported by the British government.
Aipo Kabwere, Director of Close Personal Protection, and Wilken Miriki, Provincial Police Commander for Western Province, are attending the International Leadership Programme (ILP) in the United Kingdom. The two officers met Deputy High Commissioner Cameron Millar at the British High Commission in Honiara on 24 September before departing the following day. The programme is delivered by the UK College of Policing and forms part of the Pacific Policing Leadership Programme (PPLP).
The ILP is a flagship leadership initiative under the PPLP, which aims to strengthen policing across the Pacific by developing ethical and effective police leaders. Solomon Islands is a principal beneficiary, with eight RSIPF officers, including Kabwere and Miriki, having participated in the programme to date. The initiative also includes emerging leaders training and mid-level leadership courses planned in Honiara later this year.
Since its launch, the PPLP has reached nearly 400 police officers across the Pacific region. The UK government states the programme supports the development of future police leaders to enhance regional security and stability. The ILP focuses on leadership capabilities and policing principles such as legitimacy, consent, ethics, and human rights.
The participation of RSIPF officers in the ILP reflects the ongoing partnership between the UK and Solomon Islands. The UK is committed to collaborating with Pacific Islands police forces to build professional, accountable, and capable policing services. The programme underscores the shared goal of strengthening regional security through leadership development.