Newly appointed Minister for Policing, Ioane Naivalurua, recently made his inaugural visit to the Fiji Police Force headquarters, where he was warmly welcomed by Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police, Sakeo Raikaci. During this visit, Naivalurua stressed his commitment to addressing the challenges facing the force and emphasized the importance of restoring community trust.

“It’s too early to evaluate outcomes, but I’m keen to collaborate further with the police personnel to win back the hearts of the communities we serve,” Naivalurua remarked, underscoring the need for effective operational improvements and tangible results. He urged the officers to rise above any criticisms and demonstrate their effectiveness through their actions.

As a former Commissioner of Police, Naivalurua possesses a deep understanding of the complexities involved in law enforcement. He has announced plans for comprehensive briefings with police officials next week to get an overview of the ongoing issues the force is encountering. This transition in leadership occurs in a crucial period after former Minister Pio Tikoduadua’s oversight, during which several unresolved investigations were highlighted.

A key initiative under Naivalurua’s leadership is the “Restore Blue” program, which aims to enhance police accountability and operational standards with support from international partners. This initiative represents a positive step toward revitalizing the Fiji Police Force during a time of necessary reforms.

In summary, Minister Naivalurua’s proactive approach and focus on collaboration suggest a promising future for the Fiji Police Force. By emphasizing operational improvements and community engagement, there is potential for significant reforms that can restore faith in law enforcement and enhance public safety throughout Fiji. The new leadership symbolizes an opportunity for meaningful change that could lead to a more effective and accountable police force serving its communities.