The Fiji Police Force Academy has begun its second Constable Qualifying Course (CQC) for the year, with 112 officers from around the country starting a four-week training program aimed at refreshing skills and preparing participants for internal promotion pathways. The course, which opened under the direction of Academy Commandant Acting Senior Superintendent of Police Epeli Rikaiwai, runs through to 5 September 2025.
A/SSP Rikaiwai said the CQC is intended for officers who graduated from the academy three years ago and represents their first step toward eligibility for further internal promotional courses. He described the program as both a practical skills refresher and an opportunity for participants to seek clarification on aspects of their duties they may be unsure about. “You are doing the work, and at times, if you haven’t been sure of what you were doing, this will be a good time to ask and clear your doubts,” he told trainees, urging them to use the training to strengthen their knowledge and make a positive impact in their communities upon their return.
This intake comes amid wider efforts within the Fiji Police Force to modernize training and professional development. Recent initiatives include a review of the School of Community Policing curriculum and the broader Training and Development Framework tied to the ‘Police Reset’ goals of improving leadership, operational effectiveness and community trust. The CQC’s focus on refreshers and promotion-readiness complements those longer-term reforms by reinforcing frontline capability and consistency in policing practices.
Additional comments and context
– Why this matters: Regular refresher courses help ensure officers maintain up-to-date knowledge of procedures and laws, reduce inconsistencies in practice, and improve the quality of service delivered to communities. For officers who have been in the field for several years, structured re-training can address knowledge gaps that arise from on-the-job routines.
– Reporting suggestions to enhance future coverage: include details about the course curriculum (modules and key topics), profiles or quotes from a few participants about what they hope to gain, information on trainers or external partners involved, and follow-up coverage on outcomes once participants return to duty.
– Positive outlook: By investing in periodic skill-refreshing and clearer pathways to promotion, the academy helps build a more capable, confident and community-focused police service—strengthening public trust and operational effectiveness over time.
Short summary
The Fiji Police Force Academy has launched a four-week Constable Qualifying Course for 112 officers who graduated three years ago, aiming to refresh skills and prepare them for internal promotions; the training aligns with broader FPF reforms to modernize policing and strengthen community service.
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