THE months leading into the festive season are historically marked by a surge in social activities and economic transactions.
West police commander Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Iakobo Vaisewa made the remark during his divisional parade at Churchill Park in Lautoka last week.
He reminded officers it was necessary to prepare for a demanding period ahead.
“With celebrations, parties, and gatherings, there is often a corresponding rise in criminal activities,” he said.
“These range from opportunistic thefts, burglaries, alcohol-fuelled violence and traffic incidents.”
SSP Vaisewa said the focus of operations would include enhancing community safety through visible policing and deterrence, disaster preparedness, ensuring community resilience, and strengthening public confidence through proactive engagement and visible operational presence.
He said the key to an effective operation would be public support.
“Public trust is the cornerstone of effective policing. By engaging with communities — listening to concerns, providing updates, and demonstrating our commitment — we reinforce this trust.
“A police force that is transparent and actively involved in community well-being fosters better cooperation and shared responsibility for safety.”
SSP Vaisewa also commended his officers for the work conducted over the course of nine months, adding with force operations now underway for the last three months of the year, they would need to ensure consistency in service delivery.
“I want to express my deepest appreciation to all of you for your commitment and efforts in maintaining law and order from January through to the end of September.
“The task of upholding peace and safety in our communities is never easy. It requires vigilance, patience, discipline, and at times, great personal sacrifice.”
