Fiji’s Fight Against Cross-Border Crime: A Call for Unity and Resources

Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has highlighted significant challenges faced by law enforcement due to the country’s expansive and easily navigable borders. During a recent security meeting, he pointed out that insufficient resources hinder the police’s ability to combat cross-border crime effectively. The vast ocean areas pose a considerable surveillance challenge, necessitating a call for stronger border security teams and improved collaborative efforts among regional stakeholders.

Tudravu expressed gratitude for participation from the Pacific Regional Security Forum, seeking to learn from successful practices employed by other nations. He emphasized the importance of building relationships within the Pacific community to enhance security measures. “How can we learn from what other countries are doing well?” he asked, underscoring the necessity of sharing insights for better strategies.

Additionally, the Commissioner noted the good rapport established between Fiji’s Transnational Crime Unit and other Pacific police forces, which is crucial in the fight against crime. Dr. Jason Mitchell, Chair of the Fiji HIV National Outbreak Response Taskforce, echoed concerns about rising crime rates, linking health and safety to effective policing.

The meeting aims to foster improved security collaboration in the region. The urgency for better resource allocation and strategic partnerships was previously identified by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka at the Pacific Regional and National Security Conference, where he discussed the threats posed by organized transnational crime.

Fiji’s proactive engagement in regional security measures, supported by international partnerships, indicates a hopeful forward momentum toward addressing these pressing challenges. Enhanced training programs for police, previously highlighted in efforts to combat transnational crime, signal a commitment to building a more secure environment across the Pacific, where collective action and shared knowledge can thrive to improve community safety.