The Solomon Islands have known a heavy ethnic conflict between 1998 and 2003, in which Australia and other Pacific countries eventually intervened to restore peace and order. The nation has no standing army, however there is a national police force, the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF), and at least one local constabulary, in Honiara, the capital.
A commissioner who reports to the minister of police heads the RSIPF of approximately 1,130 members. This force is supported by 250 RAMSI officers, who serve as advisors and in logistical and finance support. During 2006, an Australian police official served as commissioner on a contract funded by the Australian government. However, on December 22, authorities declared him an "undesirable immigrant" while he was out of the country and did not allow him to return. There were 43 police stations open throughout the country.
The RSIPF has an inspection unit to monitor police discipline and performance.
| Name | Term of Office | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Start | End | ||
| Sir Fred Soaki | 1982 | 1996 | |
| Bill Morrell (UK) | 28 January 2003 | March 2005 | [1][2] |
| Shane Castles (AFP) | April 2005 | December 2006 | [2][3] |
| (vacant) | December 2006 | 15 May 2007 | [3] |
| Mohammed Jahir Khan (Fiji) | 15 May 2007 | May 2008 | [3] |
| Peter Marshall (acting) (NZ) | May 2008 | March 2009 | |
| Peter Marshall | March 2009 | 7 February 2011 | |
| Walter Kola (acting) | 7 February 2011 | Incumbent | |
|
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