POLICE officers in Fiji have gained the opportunity to express their concerns “freely and openly” regarding the challenges they face in their daily operations. Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua emphasized the significance of this development while addressing Parliament during discussions on the Fiji Police Force’s annual report for 2020-2021. According to Naivalurua, direct feedback from officers has illuminated various operational gaps and weaknesses within the force, spanning from the strategic to tactical levels.
This newfound ability to communicate candidly is vital for addressing the serious challenges officers encounter on the frontlines. Naivalurua noted that taking care of frontline personnel and ensuring they have proper equipment remains a priority. He assured Parliament of the government’s commitment to tackle these issues through upgrading human resources, technology, mobility, and specialized units.
Despite these assurances, Naivalurua acknowledged ongoing struggles concerning under-resourced officers on the frontlines, who continue to operate with inadequate equipment and facilities. Reflecting on his recent visit to Kadavu, he expressed guilt over the subpar conditions officers endure, emphasizing the need for the government to do more to support them.
In response to these challenges, the government has allocated an additional $13.5 million to the police budget for this year, with plans to enhance personnel strength by introducing 1,000 new officers in two phases. The Minister for Policing reiterated the government’s resolve to improve resource allocation and operational capacity, highlighting recent advancements in policy direction and border protection.
While optimism surrounds these reforms, concerns about police accountability and community trust remain prevalent. Earlier discussions by the Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua pointed to the critical need for police officers to uphold the law impartially, rather than prioritizing connections with politicians or business leaders. This issue has fueled public distrust in the force, prompting the introduction of the Police Reset Strategy aimed at professionalizing policing practices.
Both Naivalurua and Tikoduadua’s recent statements reflect a larger commitment to reform within the Fiji Police Force. The collaborative efforts with partners from Australia and New Zealand stand as a hopeful testament to improving police practices and restoring public confidence.
Efforts to address the shortcomings within the Fiji Police Force, alongside increased funding and a genuine commitment to reform, paint a positive outlook for the future of law enforcement in the region. These initiatives signify an essential step towards fostering a more reliable and trustworthy police service that prioritizes community safety and well-being.