The Fiji Police Force is set to enhance its services with a significant increase in funding following the Government’s announcement of 1,000 new personnel as part of the 2025-2026 National Budget. This announcement was made by Finance Minister Biman Prasad during his budget address last Friday.
The budget allocation for the Fiji Police Force has risen to $240.3 million, a $13.5 million increase from last year’s budget of $226.8 million. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu expressed gratitude for this additional funding, which he indicated would bolster their manpower and improve service delivery across the nation. “We are happy that we are being allocated the funds for recruitment. That will now boost our manpower on the ground,” Mr. Tudravu stated, highlighting the importance of the government’s support in this initiative.
Under this budget plan, the total strength of the Police Force is expected to exceed 6,550 officers, translating to approximately one police officer for every 137 residents—well above the global standard of 300 officers per 100,000 people. This significant investment will be executed in two phases, with the first phase allocated $19.5 million designated for the recruitment of 538 new officers, in addition to filling around 300 existing vacancies. Consequently, this will result in an immediate increment of over 800 officers on the ground.
Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua praised the budget as a great advancement that would enable the Police Force to deliver improved services to the community. He emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure the successful implementation of these initiatives, saying, “The only thing left for us now is to deliver.”
Additionally, the government has allocated $8.6 million for police salary progression, reflecting a broader commitment to supporting law enforcement personnel and addressing operational challenges amid increasing crime rates.
The conversation around enhancing police resources resonates with concerns over rising crime, with recent reports indicating a 26 percent increase in crime rates compared to previous years. Both Commissioner Tudravu and Minister Naivalurua cited the necessity of improving public safety measures and engaging the community more effectively.
This budgetary boost, therefore, symbolizes a hopeful step towards not only strengthening the operational capacity of the Fiji Police Force but also restoring public trust and enhancing community relations. A commitment to addressing crime challenges through increased personnel and resources could pave the way for a safer and more secure environment for all Fijians, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the communities they serve.
Leave a comment