Is More Police Personnel the Answer to Fiji’s Crime Surge?

Opposition MP Vijay Nath has expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of simply increasing police personnel as a solution to Fiji’s rising crime rates. During a recent debate on the 2025–2026 National Budget, Nath questioned the government’s $13.5 million funding boost to the Fiji Police Force, which raises its total budget to approximately $240.3 million.

Despite Fiji already having one of the highest police-to-population ratios globally, with 730 officers per 100,000 people, Nath highlighted a troubling 20% surge in crime during the first two months of the year. He criticized the focus on recruiting over 1,000 new officers, arguing that merely boosting numbers will not address the underlying issues of effectiveness and community trust in law enforcement.

Nath’s concerns center around the need for proper support, training, and integrity within the police force rather than just additional uniforms and personnel. He raised important questions about the deployment, tools, and training of the new recruits, urging for a more strategic approach towards building a trustworthy and efficient police force.

In defense of the budget, Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua emphasized that the government is committed to enhancing the capabilities of the police to ensure safety and security across Fiji. He described the budget as a meaningful step toward empowering the police to effectively combat crime and maintain national security.

The discussions surrounding police funding and reform come in light of alarming crime rate trends, including recent reports indicating an overall 26% increase compared to previous years. This highlights the urgency for the Fiji Police Force to not only expand its resources but also engage with communities to foster trust and improve public safety.

As the government seeks to implement these changes, there remains hope that a well-rounded approach, integrating robust training and community engagement, can lead to significant improvements in the effectiveness of Fiji’s law enforcement. By addressing both the resources and the relationships between police and the community, a safer, more secure environment can be envisioned for all Fijians.