The Fiji Police Force is undertaking a significant overhaul of its Counter Narcotics Bureau to enhance its operational integrity and effectiveness. Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, emphasized the critical importance of selecting officers who possess strong ethical standards and the resilience to withstand work pressures without succumbing to misconduct. In a bid to ensure the recruitment of suitable candidates, an independent process is being established, potentially involving international experts and representatives from key agencies such as Customs and Immigration.
Supporting this initiative, Permanent Secretary for Policing, Beranado Daveta, confirmed the effective use of the Bureau’s budget, projecting a fully operational organization by the end of the fiscal year. The recruitment process will follow government open merit standards, with positions made accessible to public applicants, ensuring transparency and fairness.
This restructuring seeks to rebuild the Bureau’s reputation and enhance its credibility, following previous incidents that have necessitated a reassessment of operational practices. Past arrests of officers associated with drug-related offenses highlighted the pressing need for reform. Naivalurua reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance on misconduct, prioritizing accountability and ethical governance across all ranks.
The broader strategy includes fostering community partnerships and boosting public trust by actively engaging citizens in crime prevention efforts. Recent initiatives have led to a reported decrease in crime rates, indicating the effectiveness of the current reform strategies.
These extensive changes align with core governmental objectives to restore integrity and efficiency within the Fiji Police Force. By reinforcing ethical standards and promoting accountability, the Bureau aims to effectively combat drug-related crimes, thus restoring public confidence in law enforcement and ensuring a safer community for all Fijians. The collaboration with international partners underscores a solid commitment to building a robust and transparent law enforcement framework capable of addressing narcotics challenges effectively. Through these comprehensive reforms, Fiji looks forward to creating a more accountable and resilient policing system.