A ceremony held at the Nasova Grounds saw 149 police recruits, including 10 officers from the Tuvalu Police Force, celebrate the successful completion of their three-month Basic Recruits Course, marking their official induction into the Fiji Police Force.
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua delivered the keynote address, emphasizing to the new officers that their performance would now be evaluated based on their actions while in uniform rather than their intentions. He underscored the principle of “Salus Populi,” which prioritizes the welfare of the public over personal interests.
“The standard and expectation are clear: when you serve with the right mindset, you will serve to the best of your ability,” Minister Naivalurua asserted. He urged recruits to embrace the complexities of modern policing, recognizing that they would be under constant scrutiny from the public.
Additionally, he highlighted the importance of hard work in building and preserving public trust, urging recruits to lead with integrity and act with confidence and courage. The Minister also acknowledged the vital role families play in supporting officers, noting that despite the evolving nature of tools, time, and crime, the importance of family support remains steadfast.
Minister Naivalurua posed three pivotal questions to the recruits: “Can you do the job? Can we trust you to do the job? Are you ethically solid?” He encouraged the Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, to focus on bolstering capacity building and training within the Force to further enhance their operational capabilities.
The pass-out parade symbolizes the commencement of active service for the new officers, who now bear the responsibility of serving and protecting the citizens of Fiji, a role that comes with significant expectations and challenges. The commitment to community service and integrity marks a hopeful beginning for these recruits as they embark on their law enforcement careers.
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