Assistant Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga has addressed significant challenges facing the Fiji Police Force related to officer retention. During a meeting with the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence in Nadi, he revealed that the force has been struggling to keep its officers as many are drawn to better-paying opportunities elsewhere, especially abroad.
Lutunauga emphasized that this issue affects all ranks within the police force, not just specialized personnel. He candidly acknowledged that financial compensation is a key factor in retention, saying, “It’s about retaining them; it’s about giving them the deserved salary that goes according to the special field they are qualified in.” The trend of officers departing has been notable, with reports indicating that over 140 positions were vacated last year alone.
This exodus has resulted in many young officers opting to move to correctional services in New Zealand, which offers more attractive salaries. Lutunauga pointed out that more than 140 officers had left for this reason, highlighting the significant brain drain affecting the institution. He called upon the committee to support reforms aimed at aligning salary structures with the skills and specializations of officers.
The ongoing personnel shortages are compounded by a previous wave of resignations, as reported by Assistant Commissioner Livai Driu, who noted that efforts are being made to recruit up to 150 special constables to bolster the workforce. Last year, resignations reached more than 120, necessitating urgent strategies for recruitment to maintain effective law enforcement and community safety.
Both Lutunauga and Driu’s comments point to a broader trend facing police forces worldwide, where competitive job markets lure skilled personnel away from law enforcement. However, this challenge also presents an opportunity: by addressing salary disparities and enhancing the overall working conditions for officers, the Fiji Police Force can potentially rebuild its ranks and public trust, moving towards a more resilient future.
Overall, these discussions reflect an important regard for improving the working environment for officers, which could lead to more sustainable staffing levels and better community safety outcomes in Fiji. The acknowledgment of these issues, combined with proactive strategies, offers hope for the future of the police force as it seeks to fulfill its commitment to serve and protect the community effectively.
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