THE ROYAL Solomon Islands Police Force is committed to deal with illegal firearms in the country.

Report received from the police stated that the RSIPF is taking the issue of firearms in the community very seriously and is committed to doing all it can to mitigate this issue.

RSIPF ensures there will be no illegal firearms to be left elsewhere in the country.

The report has pointed out that as part of their commitment, recently they seized firearms in the North Malaita where a non-functioning (.303) old home-made gun was held.

“This incident has demonstrated that the RSIPF has the capacity to respond to crimes involving firearms without PPF assistance where necessary, however the PPF are also available to assist if circumstances require it.

“The RSIPF is working to enhance its capability to deal with firearm incidents through the limited rearmament project which is aimed at rearming the Police Response Team (PRT) and the Close Personal Protection Team (CPP) as well as providing an armed presence at the International Airport when required.

“This project, when completed, will enable the RSIPF to respond even more effectively to issues involving firearms.

“In addition the Ministry of Police National Security and Correctional Services are working to conclude the previous firearms amnesty and, together with the RSIPF, are actively considering the utility of another firearms amnesty and buy- back prior to RAMSI’s departure,” the report revealed.

The statement reads that the success of the police operation in North Malaita was due to the partnership of the police and the community and the RSIPF is working to strengthen this partnership through the Crime Prevention Strategy.

The report stated that as it has been revealed that incidence of firearm crime in the Solomon Islands is actually low by world standards, even only an incident involving firearms is one to many.

Meanwhile, RSIPF has urged the public that if anyone with information about firearms in our communities, you are kindly ask to conduct the police with these numbers 23666 or 999 or come report to any nearest police station.