Five police officers face serious charges, including sexual offences, assault, drug-related offences, and violations of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, following arrests made last month.
Acting Police Commissioner Sakeo Raikaci underscored that police officers are also victims of crime, particularly in the line of duty. He noted that there have been 25 reported cases of serious assaults against police, one case of obstruction during official duties, and nine instances of resisting arrest.
The Fiji Police Force acknowledged the inherent challenges of policing, emphasizing that officers risk their lives and safety daily while performing their duties. Raikaci remarked that despite these challenges, they remain committed to serving their communities.
He also reported a 17 percent decrease in the overall crime rate compared to July, attributing this improvement to the combined efforts of the police and the community in addressing crime.
Raikaci expressed gratitude for the support from religious and community leaders in the fight against crime. He urged these leaders to maintain their efforts and continuously explore collaborative strategies to create safer neighborhoods. “There is strength in numbers, and together we can combat illegal activities and safeguard our women, children, and vulnerable populations by reporting suspicious activities and crimes,” he stated.