Complaints against police officers have seen a notable decline of 18 percent in the first quarter of this year, according to the latest figures released by Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu. The reports indicate that 231 complaints were registered from August to October, a reduction from 283 complaints during the same period last year.
A significant number of the complaints, specifically 116 cases, were related to conduct, while 84 cases focused on neglect of duty. Commissioner Tudravu linked issues of conduct to ill-discipline within the force and pointed to poor service delivery as a factor contributing to neglect of duty. “We are continuing our internal investigations to identify areas that need improvement, and we are taking actions where lapses are identified,” he stated.
Tudravu also mentioned that the monitoring of misconduct files is being prioritized by divisional commanders to ensure that complainants receive timely outcomes. Furthermore, he expressed the Fiji Police Force’s commitment to strengthening public trust. He affirmed that addressing officers’ behavior is an ongoing priority, stating, “We will continue to review complaints data quarterly, releasing updates as part of our ongoing reforms.”
In previous communications, Tudravu has stressed the importance of accountability and transparency within the police force and affirmed that the agency would likely take stringent measures against any officer who abuses their authority. This reinforces a broader initiative aimed at improving law enforcement professionalism and community trust.
As the festive season approaches, there are plans to bolster efforts across various divisions to proactively address crime and emerging challenges. The current trend in reducing complaints is seen as a hopeful indication toward a more effective community policing approach in Fiji. The ongoing reform efforts aim to enhance police-community relations, fostering an environment of accountability and trust, which is essential for public safety.
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