Five police officers have been charged with serious offenses, including sexual crimes, assault, drug-related offenses, and violations of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, in a case that emerged last month.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci issued a statement underscoring that police officers can also be victims of crime, particularly during the performance of their duties. He noted that there were 25 instances of serious assaults where police were the victims, along with one case involving obstruction of an officer and nine cases of resisting arrest.
The Fiji Police Force acknowledged the challenges of policing, emphasizing that officers face risks to their lives and safety while fulfilling their responsibilities. Raikaci remarked that this is an inherent part of their profession, and they are dedicated to overcoming these obstacles for the benefit of their communities.
He also pointed out that, compared to July, there has been a 17 percent decline in the overall crime rate, which reflects the effective collaborative efforts between the police and the community in tackling crime.
Raikaci expressed appreciation for the commitments made by religious and community leaders in the fight against crime, urging them to maintain their momentum and seek new ways to enhance collaboration for safer communities. “There is strength in numbers, and together we can curb illegal activities and protect our women, children, and vulnerable community members by reporting suspicious activities and crimes,” he added.