SUPERINTENDENT William Foufaka, the Director of the National Traffic Department (NTD) in the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), recently visited Canberra, Australia, as part of an exchange program between the RSIPF and the Australian Federal Police (AFP) called the Policing Partnership Program (RAPPP).
According to Police Media Unit Supt. Foufaka during his visit, had the opportunity to observe the operations of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Road Policing and how their methods could help the RSIPF in planning for the Pacific Games in November.
Throughout the two-week exchange, Supt. Foufaka and his AFP counterpart Advisor Kevin Shaw joined ACT Road Policing in various operational tasks. They participated in proactive patrolling, conducting breath and drug tests, managing accident scenes, handling priority driving situations, managing collisions and investigations, and planning and executing major sporting events.
Additionally, they received a helpful briefing from the AFP media and digital engagement team on developing and implementing a traffic communication and media strategy, which will assist the RSIPF in planning for traffic management leading up to and after PG23.
During the program, the Director not only built strong relationships with his hosts but also reconnected with AFP members who had previously worked alongside the RSIPF in Solomon Islands.
This exchange provided an opportunity for increased cooperation and shared learning between the RSIPF and ACT Road Policing, particularly in light of the emerging road safety concerns in the Pacific region.
As a result of the exchange program, the Director has now implemented several new initiatives and strategies in traffic policing aimed at promoting safe traffic practices across Solomon Islands.
Photos & story (RSIPF Media)
