Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has responded to growing concerns regarding the lack of police visibility and acknowledged the public’s perception that increased recruitment should result in greater presence of officers on the ground.
He told the media at the Fiji Police Force headquarters in Nasinu on Tuesday that while 1138 officers were recruited between 2022 and 2024, the force experienced a net decrease of 521 officers due to retirement, resignation, deaths and disciplinary interdictions.
“As part of my intent of achieving stability and growth, we continue to look inwards to stabilise our human resources in accordance with the units that have been established out of necessity and demands on policing,” Mr Tudravu said.
“Our strength decreased by 521 officers either through retirement, resignation or unfortunate deaths.”
He said the demands of policing and more enhanced visibility had led to the recruitment of additional special constables from a pool of eligible candidates who had passed all clearance and drug tests requirements.
He also confirmed their 2025/2026 budget submission would include requests to support their reform and restructuring efforts focused on increasing manpower and operational enablers.
“I want to assure members of the public that we are actively working on this, and with the support of our Minister for Policing, we are optimistic of achieving the stability needed.”
