POLICE officers are now able to speak “freely and openly” about the difficulties they encounter in their daily work, a move described as vital to strengthening the force and addressing long-standing gaps.
Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua told Parliament during debate on the Fiji Police Force 2020-2021 annual report that one of the most valuable outcomes of the review process was hearing directly from officers on the ground.
“They have highlighted the gaps and weakness at the various levels, from the strategic level to the headquarters, at the operation level and also wonderful to hear, at the tactical level where police officers are able to speak freely and openly on issues they encounter or face at the frontline operations,” Mr Naivalurua said.
He said the ability of officers to voice their concerns reflected the gravity of challenges they faced and underlined the need to properly equip them.
“This was the most difficult part of any organisation, such as the police, Mr Speaker, Sir, is our ability to equip and look after our men and women who are there at the frontline.”
He assured Parliament that the Government was committed to addressing gaps across human resources, technology, mobility and specialist units.
“You are assured of our commitment to sort out a lot of these things,” he said.
Frontline troops under-resourced
POLICE officers on the frontline remain under-resourced and struggling with poor equipment, housing and basic needs, Policing Minister Ioane Naivalurua admitted in Parliament.
“I just recently returned from Kadavu, and I honestly told the Commissioner of Police that I came back feeling very guilty,” he said.
“We stayed with the boots on the ground, where they were deployed, where they stayed, what they ate, and the equipment they wore. I felt we could do more about this,” Mr Naivalurua told the House during debate on the review report of the Fiji Police Force 2020–2021 annual report.
He said the report highlighted “gaps and weaknesses at various levels, from the strategic level to the headquarters, at the operation level and also… at the tactical level where police officers are able to speak freely and openly on issues they encounter or face at the frontline operations”.
Mr Naivalurua said the Government was addressing shortcomings with increased funding and manpower.
“In the budget for this year, the Government has increased the budget for the police by $13.5million from the previous years. It includes an additional 1000 boots on the ground, with two phases — phase one, we hope to see soon, and the second phase in the next fiscal year.”
He said the new Ministry of Policing would strengthen policy direction, while also upgrading border protection facilities and expanding the K9 Unit.
“You are assured of our commitment to sort out a lot of these things,” Mr Naivalurua said.
“Since this was tabled, a lot of things have improved.”
