Meetings were organised with teams at the airport that dealt with athletes during the recently concluded FIFA Women's World Cup ©Solomon Islands Government

The Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF) has met with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) in Queensland as part of an exchange programme to prepare for the 2023 Pacific Games.

The RSIPF were taken through airports in Brisbane and Gold Coast, where AFP briefed them on how to manage crowds during major events.

The RSIPF & AFP Policing Partnership Programme (RAPPP) was led by advisor and leading senior constable Will Varga.

Meetings were organised with teams at the airport that dealt with athletes during the recently concluded FIFA Women's World Cup.

RSIPF members also visited areas in the AFP airport offices including the emergency operations centre, airport operations, protection operations response team operations area, canine facilities and the rapid appraisal officer capability.

Security planning was the focus as RSIPF attended a similar programme in Canberra earlier this year.

"As well as being able to highlight the work the AFP does here, it also provides Australian-based members with the opportunity to hear firsthand how the RSIPF operates and learn new skills and techniques from them," Varga said.

RSIPF members visited areas in the AFP airport offices including the emergency operations centre, airport operations, protection operations response team operations area and canine facilities ©Solomon Islands Government
RSIPF members visited areas in the AFP airport offices including the emergency operations centre, airport operations, protection operations response team operations area and canine facilities ©Solomon Islands Government

"We are very proud of our long-standing relationship with the RSIPF and we remain ready and eager to assist in ensuring the delivery of a safe and secure Pacific Games."

Earlier this month, it was announced that an increased number of Australian police will help provide security during the Pacific Games and the elections in Solomon Islands in 2024.

The elections were delayed after Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare argued it did not have the resources to stage it as well as the Pacific Games.

Sogavare's decision has been met with widespread criticism.

In July, he accused Australia and New Zealand of withholding millions of dollars in financial support before the Pacific Games while praising China's aid.

The island nation's relationship with China has raised eyebrows in the West, with nations calling for clarity over the nature of the security agreement with the Asian giants.

This will be the first time the Pacific Games is being held in the Solomon Islands.

The multi-sport event is set to open on November 19 and conclude on December 2, with more than 5,000 athletes expected to compete.