Acting Attorney-General Siromi Turaga has paid tribute to the Fiji Police Force and their families, describing them as the “unsung heroes” who carry the burden of national security.
Speaking in Parliament during debate on the police force’s 2020-2021 annual report, Mr Turaga said behind crime statistics were “real lives — officers on duty, families affected and communities striving for safety and justice.”
“I have seen their dedication up close, officers working up to 20 hours in a single stretch, putting duty before home, family and personal rest,” he told the House.
Mr Turaga said the spouses, children and parents of officers often endured silent sacrifices, missed birthdays, sleepless nights and constant worry while enabling the force to operate under immense pressure.
“These families are the true pillars of our police force,” he said.
“Their role is not secondary. It is central to the effectiveness and well-being of the force.”
He saluted Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu and his leadership team, and thanked international partners for strengthening the force through training, equipment and technical support.
He singled out recent drug busts as proof of the officers’ professionalism and courage.
“Behind every successful operation are weeks, sometimes months, of intelligence gathering, coordination and the courage to confront dangerous and unpredictable situations,” he said.
“The recent actions send a strong and clear message — no one is above the law.”
Mr Turaga pointed to the review of the 1965 Police Act, calling it “a positive step” after previous governments had stalled reforms.
He stressed that policing alone could not solve the country’s drug and crime crisis.
“Unless we address the root causes — poverty, unemployment, peer pressure and lack of guidance of our youth — we will continue to fight the same battle year after year,” he said.
Calling for stronger partnerships between the police, the vanua, churches and communities, Mr Turaga said the fight against crime required collective responsibility.
“When the family of an officer is supported and cared for, the officer is stronger, the force is stronger, and ultimately our nation is stronger,” he said.
