Tavua’s Community Policing Push Drives Fiji’s Lowest Crime Rate

Tavua has achieved a remarkable milestone as the district with the lowest crime rate in Fiji for this year, recording just 71 reported cases, according to Acting Commissioner of Police Aporosa Lutunauga. Speaking at the Fijian Media Association Town Hall session held in Tavua, Mr. Lutunauga commended the local community’s dedication and effective collaboration with police through various community initiatives.

Mr. Lutunauga expressed gratitude to the residents, marking this achievement as a significant success. He emphasized the importance of community participation in crime prevention, stating, “That, in itself, is the biggest achievement we have.” The Tavua policing district, covering an area of 298 square kilometers, includes six villages, 12 schools, and 438 cane farms, catering to a population of approximately 45,000. The district operates two police stations—Tavua and Vatukoula—and has community posts in Nadarivatu and Lausa, supported by a total of 83 police officers.

Crucially, Mr. Lutunauga highlighted the proactive role of 64 crime prevention committees that have emerged within the community, enhancing local policing and fostering trust between officers and residents. While there have been minor drug-related incidents reported, serious drug-related activities are largely minimal. The Acting Commissioner noted that the last major case of methamphetamine occurred two years ago, which involved the seizure of four kilograms valued at 1.3 million Fijian dollars. Recently, authorities also uprooted 1,000 marijuana plants worth approximately $3.2 million before they could enter the market.

The positive trends emerging in Tavua signal a vital collaborative effort between the police and the community. This model of partnership not only contributes to individual safety but also sets a hopeful precedent for other regions in Fiji striving to enhance their public safety outcomes. The ongoing progress in Tavua showcases the effectiveness of community initiatives, highlighting the importance of local engagement in maintaining a safe environment for all residents.