Ian Vaevaso is the current Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force (RSIPF).[1] He was previously the Deputy Commissioner of National Security and Operation Support (NSOS).[2]
Ian Vaevaso | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner of the Royal Solomon Islands Police Force | |
| Assumed office April 2026 | |
Early life and Education
editVaevaso attended The University of the South Pacific and holds a degree in policing.
Career
editVaevaso previously served as Chief Superintendent in the RSIPF.[3] In July 2017, Vaevaso was appointed Assistant Commissioner Crime and Intelligence.[4]
In December 2020, Vaevaso was appointed Deputy Commissioner of NSOS.[5][6]
In June 2025, Vaevaso was awarded the Member of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in recognition of his leadership and contributions to the RSIPF.[2][7]
In April 2026, Vaevaso was appointed Commissioner of the RSIPF.[1]
Controversies
editIn 2024, Vaevaso allegedly broke police protocol by ordering officers to give him confiscated methamphetamine which he then dumped into the sea.[8] Government documents from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions alleged that Vaevaso had lied to investigators and intimidated other officers during an internal police investigation into the wrongdoing.[8]
Prior to his appointment as Commissioner in April 2026, opposition leader Matthew Wale released a statement that his appointment was a "threat to accountability and public trust".[9]
References
edit- 1 2 Islands Government, Solomon (25 April 2026). "Mr. Vaevaso new Commissioner of police". Solomon Islands Government. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - 1 2 Government, Solomon Islands (2025). "Commissioner Mangau and DC Vaevaso Honoured for Exemplary Service". Solomon Islands Government. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ "RSIPF announces new portfolio and promotions | Royal Solomon Islands Police Force". www.rsipf.gov.sb. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ "RSIPF announces new portfolio and promotions | Royal Solomon Islands Police Force". www.rsipf.gov.sb. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ Government, Solomon Islands. "RSIPF Officers Promoted to Senior Ranks". Solomon Islands Government. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- ↑ Mamu, Moffat (2025-07-16). "TOP JOB UP FOR GRAB". Solomon Star News. Retrieved 5 November 2025.
- ↑ "Solomon Islands Police Commissioner's job up for grab | PINA". 17 July 2025. Retrieved 4 November 2025.
- 1 2 Toito’ona, Ronald (24 April 2026). "Solomon Islands Appoints Police Chief Who Was Investigated Over Missing Drugs". Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ↑ Star News, Solomon (24 April 2026). "Wale Opposes Appointment of Vaevaso". Solomon Star News. Retrieved 8 May 2026.
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