The Savusavu Town Council has announced a call for a complete restructuring of the local police force, citing concerns over their inability to address prevalent issues such as public drinking, drug use, and the presence of discarded needles in the community. Shankar Singh, the chairman of the council’s special administrators, emphasized that police officers appear to be overlooking illegal activities, resulting in a growing public perception that they have abandoned their responsibilities.
Singh stated, “The police know exactly where drugs are being sold and where people are drinking in public, but they do nothing about it,” expressing deep frustration with the lack of action taken despite numerous community complaints. He highlighted specific incidents, such as finding used needles behind local markets, which prompted him to urge law enforcement to restore community trust through effective action.
Singh plans to write a formal letter to Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu, requesting an unscheduled visit to the Savusavu Police Station, where he believes the standard of services is currently inadequate. In response, a representative of the Fiji Police Force mentioned that the divisional police commander would convene a meeting to address the issues raised by Singh and other officials.
In the wake of these concerns, there is a positive aspect emerging from ongoing community-police collaboration efforts. A community Viber group has been established to facilitate communication regarding local issues, indicating a proactive approach to improving policing in Savusavu.
Past discussions revealed a need for enhanced police visibility, especially on weekends when public drunkenness tends to peak, leading to disturbances. Ongoing community engagement suggests that both local leaders and police are committed to working together to enhance public safety.
There is hope that with continued dialogue and shared responsibility, adjustments can be made to better manage public behavior, thereby restoring faith in local law enforcement and ensuring a safer environment for all residents and visitors.
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