Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalurua says the salaries and recruitment standards of police officers must be strengthened to ensure “the right people” are in the force.
He made the comments as questions mount over the alleged involvement of Narcotics Bureau officers in the illicit drug trade.
“There are many parts in the way we can improve where we are, right?,” Mr Naivalurua said.
“And one of it is the ability to make sure that people’s professional ability is recognised. The emolument aspect of it is always a major part.
He said this must be seriously looked into.
“I say we bring the right people into the so-called units, and we must peg the right pay for them too.”
The minister’s comments come as the Narcotics Bureau faces scrutiny following the arrest of officers for alleged possession and links to the drug trade.
On the morale of the police force, the minister said the challenges were bigger than sentiment.
“Organisations like the police, the military, to a certain extent the corrections, the nature of our work is totally different.
“And there’s a greater demand, mental capability, or ability to withstand certain situations that we may encounter.
“We are given missions to go from here to there, and situations change, and we will require to accept those situations.
“It’s not really a matter of morale.
“It’s just a matter of realising that we’ve come a long way, and it’s a huge or greater challenge ahead of us, and there’s got to be a more unified effort and more focus on what the mission is ahead of us.”
