The Solomon Islands prime minister, Dr Derek Sikua, says the police force has been regaining the public's trust but it may take another three years until it is restored for it to cope without RAMSI assistance.
The Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands is in its sixth year and was deployed in 2003 at the invitation of the Solomons government in the face of worsening lawlessness and a breakdown of the police force.
Dr Sikua says despite recent progress, challenges remain that may not be overcome within the next three years.
"There will be some things that will take a lot longer than others and I would like to say that we can make good progress."
Dr Derek Sikua.