Fiji is making strides in improving its police infrastructure with a visit from an Australian Federal Police (AFP) Infrastructure Team, which is assessing potential development sites this week. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu noted that many of the police stations are remnants of the colonial era and require modernization to meet contemporary policing needs while also enhancing working conditions for officers.
The AFP Infrastructure Team, made up of engineers, surveyors, and a draftsman from the Australian Defence Force, is tasked with the design and management of new police facilities across the region. Their visit is aligned with the support provided under the Solesolevaki Memorandum of Understanding and the Pacific Policing Initiative, through which Fiji is recognized as the Regional Centre of Excellence for operational forensics.
During the visit, the team engaged with Commissioner Tudravu to discuss his plans for a comprehensive master plan aimed at modernizing police facilities. Their assessment will begin at the proposed site of the new Police Headquarters in Suva, and they will also evaluate critical stations like Totogo Police Station, which is currently grappling with increasing policing demands.
This effort reflects a broader commitment to enhancing Fiji’s law enforcement capabilities, a theme echoed in recent developments such as equipment handovers and training programs facilitated by AFP. The advancements emerge from ongoing partnerships aimed at combating transnational crime and fostering regional cooperation. Such initiatives are critical for not only bolstering the Fiji Police Force’s operational capacity but also for reinforcing security across the Pacific region.
The collaboration between Fiji and Australia highlights a hopeful trajectory for the Fiji Police, focusing on modernization and enhanced community trust. As these infrastructure improvements advance, the cooperation signifies a promising step towards greater safety and security for the Fijian populace and the wider Pacific community.
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