Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu is committed to getting the Fiji Police Force in order and has advised officers in the force to “come clean, stay clean and go out clean”.
He told the media yesterday there were a lot of labels against the Fiji Police Force in terms of the conduct of police officers.
Mr Tudravu reiterated the Commissioner’s office would abide by its Constitutional role and would not be swayed by political influences.
“Focus on the people. That is why we are here; to serve the people,” he said.
Meanwhile, outgoing acting commissioner Juki Fong Chew informed the media yesterday that he was retiring from the force after 36 years of service.
“I have a very good minister that is there, we have a very good relationship,” Mr Tudravu said.
“I need the support of the government. I need the support of the Minister, to know the role of the Commissioner of Police stipulated under the Constitution. If we respect each other on that, I think we will run our own course and get things done.
“But I need to brief the minister well. The Prime Minister has to know some of the national issues that are coming in, so I will be constantly liaising with them.
“Political interference into the constitutional office(s). That is something that is a challenge, but I think the government knows it well. It’s just communication. Communication that’s something that we need to enforce, and that’s a way forward for us.”
As part of his first day in office yesterday, Mr Tudravu met with Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua yesterday and also attended a series of briefings with his senior officers.
Mr Tudravu said the drugs issue was also high on the agenda.
“I want to hear the full briefing. I just want to touch base on things that are happening. I feel the heartbeat on the ground, and we’ll expect things to come up in future. I know that drugs are a national issue now.
“I can confirm to you and assure the general public that we will be heading into that. Our operation is focused on that. I just want to have (a) few briefings done by our senior officers. I want to hear from the divisions just and then re-strategise on the things that are currently being done by the former acting COMPOL.”
With regards to the military stepping in to assist with the fight against drugs – as announced by Defence Minister Pio Tikoduadua last week – Mr Tudravu said the minister was entitled to his own opinion.
“I’m here as the enforcer of the law. RFMF, to be clear, is always an option for Fiji police. They are there.
“I’ll be meeting the commander soon. I want to have a discussion with him in regard to this. I’ll make a decision as we move forward, but I need to talk to the commander.
“I need to get the briefing from my senior officers. I cannot pre-empt that, but rest assured that we will tackle the crime, the drugs, that is now a national issue with us.”
