Five police officers face serious allegations, including sexual offenses, assault, drug offenses, and violating a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, as charged last month.
Acting Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci noted in a statement that police officers can also be victims of crime, especially while carrying out their duties. There were reported incidents involving 25 cases of serious assaults against police officers, one case of an officer being obstructed in the line of duty, and nine instances of individuals resisting arrest.
The Fiji Police Force emphasized that policing remains a challenging task, with officers putting their lives at risk daily to serve the community. Raikaci affirmed that this is part of the commitment they made when joining the force and expressed their dedication to overcoming these hurdles for the benefit of the community.
He also reported a 17 percent reduction in the overall crime rate compared to July, highlighting the comprehensive and cooperative efforts between the police and the public to combat crime.
Raikaci acknowledged the support from religious and community leaders in the fight against crime, encouraging them to maintain their momentum and look for further collaborative opportunities to ensure safer environments. “There is strength in numbers, and together we can curb illegal activities and protect our women, children, and vulnerable communities by reporting suspicious activities and crimes,” he stated.