Newly appointed Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua made his inaugural visit to the Fiji Police Force headquarters, receiving a warm welcome from Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci. During this visit, Naivalurua expressed his commitment to enhancing the operational effectiveness of the police and restoring public trust amidst ongoing challenges.

Mr. Naivalurua encouraged police personnel to focus on tangible results, urging them to demonstrate their effectiveness by taking decisive actions rather than being deterred by criticism. “It’s too early to predict outcomes, but I’m looking forward to collaborating further with you to win back the hearts of the people we serve,” he remarked, emphasizing the importance of community engagement.

Having previously served as Commissioner of Police, Naivalurua is well-acquainted with the intricacies of the role and plans to conduct thorough briefings with police officials in the coming weeks. This is vital as he seeks to analyze ongoing challenges, particularly following a period of oversight by former Minister Pio Tikoduadua, who dealt with unresolved investigations affecting police operations.

A key initiative that Naivalurua intends to launch is the “Restore Blue” program, aimed at enhancing police accountability and operational standards with the assistance of international partners. This initiative represents a hopeful step toward revitalizing the Fiji Police Force and addressing systemic issues that have impacted public trust.

This leadership change is seen as a significant opportunity for the police force to enhance its effectiveness and accountability to the communities it serves. With Naivalurua’s proactive engagement and focus on collaboration, there is a promising future for policing in Fiji, potentially leading to substantial reforms that will bolster public safety.

In summary, Minister Naivalurua’s visit symbolizes a renewed commitment to elevating the Fiji Police Force and fortifying ties with the community. His focus on collaboration and effective governance paves the way for a safer, more responsive law enforcement environment across Fiji. The approach he outlined during his visit holds the potential for impactful changes vital for regaining public trust and confidence in the police force.