The Fiji government and law enforcement are intensifying efforts to combat rising crime rates and restore public trust in the Fiji Police Force. Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua reassured Parliament that under the leadership of Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, the police are committed to reforming and uplifting their practices to align with the core values of justice and integrity.
This pledge for reform comes on the heels of alarming statistics indicating a 27 percent increase in crime overall in 2024, followed by an additional 26 percent rise in January 2025. Naivalurua emphasized the need for a proactive strategy, stating that police operations will experience heightened visibility and stronger community engagement over the next three months to effectively tackle the evolving landscape of crime.
Key initiatives such as the Police Uplift Initiative aim to modernize and enhance the capabilities of the police force, as criminal activities become increasingly sophisticated. Naivalurua highlighted the necessity for innovative operational strategies and advanced technology integration to address contemporary safety concerns.
In addition to ongoing crime prevention efforts, Naivalurua acknowledged the collaborative groundwork laid by Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua, which has set the stage for these reforms. The government is also addressing the outdated Police Act from 1965, identified as a barrier to effectively modernizing the force.
Furthermore, community involvement holds great importance in the current climate of rising crime, particularly those crimes affecting vulnerable populations such as women and children. Previous articles have pointed out the significant need for reform and the commitment from police leadership to restore public trust and integrity through initiatives like the Police Reset Strategy.
Despite the challenges reflected in crime statistics and public perception, the collective aim of the Fiji government and police leadership is to rebuild a safer community where the public can trust law enforcement once again. The ongoing initiatives and focus on community engagement provide a hopeful outlook for addressing crime in Fiji, fostering an environment where public safety and community trust can be restored.
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