Public confidence in the Fiji Police Force has significantly diminished during the 2020–2021 financial year, primarily due to numerous complaints concerning poor supervision, slow response times, and ineffective investigative processes. ACP Aporosa Lutunauga, the head of Planning and Research, addressed these issues during a session with the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defense, highlighting various underlying challenges facing the force.
Among the problems identified were inadequate infrastructure, a lack of specialist support, and deficient evidence storage practices. Lutunauga emphasized the need for improved resource allocation, particularly in emergency communication systems, specialist allowances for police officers in specialized fields, and modern traffic enforcement tools. He made a case for continuous professional development and reform in leadership within the police force to raise ethical standards and service quality.
The concerns raised by Lutunauga echo sentiments expressed recently by the Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, who noted that police officers must prioritize accountability to the law, rather than engaging with political figures or business leaders. Tikoduadua has expressed the urgent need for reform, evidenced by the introduction of the Police Reset Strategy. This initiative aims to professionalize the police force and is supported by collaborative efforts with Australia and New Zealand, focused on enhancing the professionalism and integrity of Fiji’s law enforcement.
Despite the challenges, both Lutunauga and Tikoduadua are committed to aligning police services with national goals, such as justice, peace, inclusivity, and gender equality. There is a collective understanding that restoring public trust is essential for community safety. While significant hurdles must be overcome, the ongoing reform efforts provide a glimmer of hope for a stronger and more reliable police force in Fiji, fostering a safer environment for all citizens.
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