Loraini Seru, the former head of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), has achieved a historic milestone in her career by being promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP). She will now lead the Internal Affairs and Professional Standards Unit, marking a significant moment in the Fiji Police Force as she becomes the first woman to attain this position.
Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu confirmed the appointment, highlighting that ACP Seru’s promotion was based on the recommendations of a newly formed promotion board comprising both internal and external members. This ensures that the promotion process adheres strictly to merit-based criteria.
“The confirmation was based on the recommendation of a promotion board to ensure appointments are made purely on merit,” said Commissioner Tudravu. He emphasized that ACP Seru’s elevation to this rank is a remarkable achievement not just for her, but for the entire Fiji Police Force.
This groundbreaking appointment is seen as an encouragement for other women officers and young girls aspiring to enter the policing profession. Commissioner Tudravu expressed optimism that such advancements will inspire more women to pursue careers in law enforcement. Despite the progress, he reiterated that promotions within the Fiji Police Force will continue to depend on merit, urging women officers to seize the opportunities presented to them.
Loraini Seru, a native of Tonia Village in Tailevu with maternal connections to Rewasa, Rakiraki in Ra, joined the Fiji Police Force in 1995. Her career has seen her serve in the Western and Central Divisions before taking the helm at CID Headquarters in Toorak. Notably, she was the first officer seconded to the Fiji Independent Commission Against Corruption (FICAC) between 2006 and 2010 and has also completed a two-year mission in Liberia.
A proud graduate of the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy in the United States, ACP Seru currently serves as the Deputy Chair of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Women Advisory Network since 2020. Her dedication to excellence was recognized when she was named Policewoman of the Year at the 2022 Fiji Police Women Excellence Awards. In addition, she has pursued further training in Australia, Korea, and New Zealand, focusing on police management, anti-money laundering, and fraud.
In light of her appointment, ACP Seru encourages women officers to break into roles traditionally occupied by men, highlighting the many opportunities available within the Fiji Police Force. This positive shift not only serves to empower women in law enforcement but also aims to foster a more inclusive environment in the policing profession, bolstering the representation of women in leadership roles.
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