Police to work 12-hour shifts as manpower shortfalls bite, with focus on community policing and internal discipline
Police officers will be required to work 12-hour shifts in the coming months due to manpower shortages, according to acting Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations Kasiano Vusonilawe. In an interview with this newspaper, he outlined the force’s emphasis on strengthening community policing, improving customer service, and speeding up investigations.
“In October and November, due to manpower challenges, the force will reinforce ground-level staffing as part of its current strategic focus,” Vusonilawe said. He added that officers are being trained to handle internal issues and to enforce discipline, with one such training program having concluded last week. “We aim to clean up internal practices so we can better serve the public,” he stated.
The move comes amid broader conversations about boosting policing capacity in the country. Several recent discussions have highlighted plans to increase police numbers through recruitment and reform initiatives, with officials stressing the need for a safer, more responsive force. Community engagement and ethical policing have been cited as core components of a renewed approach, alongside improving working conditions to attract and retain officers.
Commentary and context from related reporting suggest the manpower gap is a long-standing challenge, prompting ongoing reforms such as enhanced recruitment drives and strategic staff management. Observers note that maintaining visibility and effectiveness during periods of staffing strain requires careful scheduling, robust internal discipline, and continued emphasis on public trust.
Impact on readers and communities
While the manpower shortage presents short-term pressures, the administration’s push to reinforce ground-level staffing and accelerate investigations signals a proactive stance aimed at delivering better service and safety. Community members are encouraged to engage with police through official channels and to cooperate with ongoing anti-crime efforts, including ethics-related trainings and internal reforms designed to bolster accountability.
Summary
The police say extended 12-hour shifts are a necessary measure to cope with staffing gaps, paired with a stronger focus on community policing, faster investigations, and internal discipline reforms. The broader trajectory appears aimed at restoring public confidence and delivering more effective policing as recruitment and reform efforts continue. A hopeful note is struck by ongoing improvements in training, ethics, and community engagement intended to secure a safer future for all Fijians.
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