The appointment of an Australian as Solomon Islands new police commissioner is being defended by the head of the Ministry of Police.
Last month, the government announced that former Australian Federal Police officer Frank Prendergast would head the police force.
Photo: RNZ
The appointment has drawn some criticism but the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Police, Edmond Sikua, says Mr Prendergast brings experience which the force needs right now.
He says after years of filling the ranks with fresh recruits, the force requires strong guidance.
"Almost 70 percent of the officers are totally new, this means that they will need proper leadership so with the experience of Mr Prendergast I believe he will bring new skills, new leadership examples that will help the current executive to take the RSIPF to a new level."
Edmond Sikua.
It's expected Mr Prendergast will be sworn in soon.
