Standards of uniform and dress
As a young soldier now some 62 years ago I served in the British Corps of Royal Military Police (RMP) doing what was called National Service.
The RMP prided itself on its turnout and set an example to the rest of the Army when on duty or on parade.
I recount the many hours spent in polishing my army boots, pressing my uniform shirt and trousers, polishing my cap badge, buckles and buttons and particularly so when about to parade before a visiting dignitary such as a Brigadier or a General.
There was always the pride in doing so knowing one was turned out smartly.
I expect it was the same for the policemen and policewomen that paraded before me on taking up my role as police commissioner in the Solomon Islands in 1997. The difference, however, was those police officers then had no change of dress and had to parade in shabby uniforms.
I felt for them and soon set about to get them additional uniform and accoutrements, even with uniform given to me, in the short term, by the Commissioner of the Singapore Police Force.
In the 18 months following my appointment the government put more money into the police budget and uniform supplies improved.
I am writing this story today because on two visits made comparatively recently by the Hon. Prime Minister – one to the Shortland Islands and a more recent one to Makira; policemen lined up, just as I once did before a dignitary, to be inspected and I suspect with the same feeling of personal pride in the ceremonial occasion.
Regrettably, as in 1997, the police personnel that paraded before the Prime Minister appeared shabbily dressed. In the Shortlands seen wearing faded police baseball type caps and at Makira in ill fitting uniform trousers.
Once again I was touched to see the police officers having to parade in, presumably, their only uniform equipment.
It would be my humble request that the Police Commissioner, through his Quartermaster, sees that all personnel are properly provisioned throughout the Force and that the dress and uniform standards of the RSIPF properly reflect and honour the title ‘Royal’ bestowed on the Force by Her Majesty the Queen in 1974.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
