A graduation ceremony was held today at the Nasova Grounds for 149 police recruits, including 10 from the Tuvalu Police Force, marking their completion of a three-month Basic Recruits Course and their official entry into the Fiji Police Force.
In his keynote address, Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua highlighted that the actions of the new officers in uniform would define their careers, rather than their intentions. He emphasized the guiding principle of Salus Populi, which prioritizes public welfare over personal interests. “That is the standard and expectation. When you serve with the right mindset, you will serve to the best of your ability,” he said.
The Minister acknowledged the evolving landscape of modern policing and encouraged the recruits to adopt a thoughtful approach to their responsibilities. He stressed the importance of earning and maintaining public trust, reminding the recruits that they will be under constant public observation. Naivalurua urged them to serve with confidence, lead with integrity, and perform their duties fearlessly.
He also recognized the critical role that families play in supporting the officers, stating that despite the evolving nature of crime and policing tools, the backing from loved ones remains essential. To reinforce their commitment, he posed three key questions to the recruits: “Can you do the job? Can we trust you to do the job? Are you ethically solid?”
Furthermore, the Minister called on Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu to enhance capacity building and training within the Force to bolster operational effectiveness.
This pass-out parade marks a significant milestone for the new officers, heralding the start of their active service in protecting and serving the Fijian community with dedication and integrity. The event also signals a hopeful step towards establishing a more responsive and accountable policing framework in the region.