The Commissioner of Police, Rusiate Tudravu, has stated that the actions of two police officers involved in a recent arrest in Nadi will be thoroughly reviewed. This incident, which gained attention on social media after being captured on video, took place during the officers’ routine patrol last Friday.
As per a police statement, the officers approached two men who were behaving suspiciously, prompting one of them to flee. The remaining individual was subsequently questioned, leading to the discovery of several sachets containing dried leaves believed to be marijuana. Commissioner Tudravu explained that the suspect’s lack of cooperation resulted in the altercation that was filmed.
The footage highlights the challenges officers face when encountering non-compliant suspects. “The video clearly demonstrates the difficulties faced by officers while effecting arrest when individuals refuse to cooperate,” Mr. Tudravu noted. He emphasized that while officers are trained to use reasonable force, the nuances of each situation dictate their response to effectively restrain suspects.
Furthermore, the Commissioner reaffirmed that members of the police force are fully aware of the legal repercussions tied to their conduct. He underscored that officers can face serious consequences, including criminal charges, for the misuse of force, as there have been precedents where officers have been held accountable for abuses of their authority.
This situation serves as a reminder of the complexities that law enforcement officers navigate daily while ensuring public safety and upholding the law.
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