The Fiji Police Force is set to receive substantial enhancements in its operational capabilities and manpower as part of the 2025-2026 National Budget, which has been boosted by $13.5 million, raising the total budget to $240.3 million. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Professor Biman Prasad, characterized this budget increase as a “major investment” aimed at improving police visibility and effectiveness throughout the country.
With this funding, the Fiji Police Force plans to recruit 1,000 new officers, increasing its total personnel strength to over 6,550 across all ranks. Currently, the force operates with one officer for every 137 residents, significantly surpassing the international standard of 300 officers per 100,000 population. This phase of expansion will also involve filling around 300 existing vacancies, offering immediate support to the force’s frontline operations.
The initial phase of this expansion is allocated $19.5 million for the recruitment of 538 new officers, while an additional $8.6 million is earmarked to facilitate salary progression within the force. This is part of a broader strategy to retain and motivate existing police personnel, emphasizing the government’s ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety.
These developments come in the wake of rising crime rates, which have increased by 26 percent compared to previous years. The police commissioners and Ministers have acknowledged that boosting police manpower and resources is essential to effectively tackling issues arising from this surge in criminal activity, particularly drug-related offenses.
Notably, this budget reflects a proactive approach by the government to strengthen the police force and enhance service delivery, paving the way for a more secure environment for Fijians. The collaboration between government and police leadership underscores the commitment to not only address current public safety challenges but also foster trust and engage with the communities they serve. This dual focus on increasing resources and improving community relations introduces a hopeful outlook for the future of law enforcement in Fiji.
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