“Police Response Times: A Challenge of Mobility and Accountability”

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has responded to growing public frustration regarding delays in police response times, acknowledging that a shortage of police transport is one of the challenges faced by the force. This issue has led to significant public concern, particularly as police stations have cited a lack of available vehicles when responding to emergency calls.

Commissioner Tudravu confirmed that the current arrangements involve a leasing system and mentioned that they are still awaiting 81 vehicles from the Government, which were part of their baseline allocation. Despite these logistical difficulties, he emphasized that officers should not see the lack of vehicles as a valid excuse for failing to respond to reports. “I’ve stated that this is not a suitable excuse. Police officers must find other ways to attend to reports. That’s part of our duty,” he stated, urging the force to explore alternative solutions to the mobility issues they are encountering.

This mirrors previous sentiments shared by Tudravu in light of other public outcry incidents, whereby he has consistently highlighted the importance of accountability and responsiveness within the police force. There has been a notable push within the police organization to address accountability, as highlighted by the calls for frontline officers to adhere strictly to basic policing protocols when responding to complaints, especially regarding serious issues such as domestic violence.

The proactive approach taken by the Fiji Police Force leadership, including calls for internal reforms and transparency in handling complaints, indicates a hopeful trajectory towards restoring public confidence. By addressing these issues comprehensively, there is a potential for the police to significantly improve their service delivery and better engage with the community.

As Commissioner Tudravu continues to tackle these challenges, public patience and cooperation remain essential. With ongoing reform efforts, there is optimism that these changes will lead to a safer environment and foster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.