In a policing career spanning more than three decades, Assistant Commissioner of Police Loraini Seru has risen from the lowest rank to one of the most senior leadership positions in the Fiji Police Force – becoming the first woman to hold the rank of Assistant Commissioner.
Today, she heads the Internal Affairs and Professional Standards Division, a critical arm of the force tasked with upholding publish trust, accountability, discipline from within.
Her appointment marks not only a personal milestone, but a broader shift in the institution’s culture, that she says has been shaped by the sacrifices and persistence of women officers who came before her.
“I pay tribute to the women officers, past and present,” ACP Seru said.
“Without their commitment and sacrifice, we would not have reached this far.”
From special constable to senior command
Originally from Tailevu, with maternal links to Ra, ACP Seru joined the police force in 1991 shortly after leaving Adi Cakobau School. Starting as a special constable, the entry-level rank – she steadily climbed through the organisation over 35 years.
Her steady journey illustrates not only a fierce and professional determination, but also the evolution of the opportunities within a traditionally male-dominated force.
“I’ve gone through the ranks from being a special constable to now Assistant Commissioner,” she said.
“It has been a journey of commitment, learning and service.”
With a background in criminal investigations, she described her tenure as Director of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) as one of the most defining roles that have shaped her leadership development
“That experience tested my patience, my ability to perform under pressure and my responsibility not only to my officers but also to the courts and the public,” she said.
A changing culture within the ranks
ACP Seru views her promotion as part of a wider transformation within the force, where perceptions around women in leadership are steadily shifting.
“The cultural structure has changed,” she said.
“There is now recognition and appreciation of the contributions women make, including from our male counterparts.”
While she acknowledges that policing remains a disciplined and hierarchical environment, she does not frame her journey in terms of barriers.
“Rather than barriers, I see challenges, challenges in adapting to different environments, communities and expectations,” she explained.
“It’s about respect, protocol and working together.”
Restoring trust from within
As head of Internal Affairs and Professional Standards, ACP Seru’s immediate focus is inward-looking and centered towards strengthening systems, processes and professional conduct among officers.
“Our unit plays a critical role in building public confidence,” she said.
“To do that, we must first get our own house in order.”
This includes aligning officers with evolving standards in response to a changing criminal landscape and rising public expectations, among others.
“It’s about raising the standard of our personnel to meet the level of trust required by the public,” she added.
Balancing discipline with support, however, remains a delicate task.
“Officers come from different backgrounds and face different pressures,” she said.
“But joining the force is a commitment to a life of service, and with that comes a higher standard of conduct and work ethic.”
Policing in a changing crime landscape
Reflecting on her early years in the 1990s, ACP Seru said the nature of crime in Fiji has changed dramatically, particularly with the emergence and spread of drug-related offences.
“Drugs were never an issue before. Now it is everywhere,” she said.
“That has changed how we operate, investigate and plan strategically.”
More concerning, she noted, is the growing involvement of police officers themselves in criminal activity, something she said was rare in earlier decades.
“Previously, issues were mainly disciplinary. Now we are seeing officers involved in criminal cases. That is a significant shift.”
These realities underscore the importance of her current role in maintaining integrity within the force.
The value of mentorship and experience
Among her most cherished memories are her early years on the frontline, where senior officers played a hands-on role in mentoring young recruits.
“They guided us through the basics of policing, even beyond our working hours,” she recalled.
“That level of mentorship is something I still value deeply.”
She also highlighted the solidarity among women officers navigating the demands of policing while upholding professionalism and integrity.
Creating opportunities for women
Looking ahead, ACP Seru is advocating for greater opportunities and exposure for women within the force, particularly in training, leadership and specialised fields.
“The opportunities are there, but women must also have the courage to take them,” she said.
She pointed to increasing support from international law enforcement partners, as well as growing pathways in areas such as forensics, cybercrime and financial investigations.
“Policing today is not just about patrols, it spans science, technology, finance and more,” she said.
“Whatever field young women are studying, there is a place for them in policing.”
Strengthening community partnerships
ACP Seru emphasised that modern policing must move beyond reactive responses and focus on proactive engagement with communities, particularly young people.
“We want the public to see us beyond the uniform,” she said.
“Policing is not just about apprehending offenders; it is about community safety, public order and prevention.”
She called for stronger collaboration between police, communities and partner agencies to address crime collectively.
A legacy of service
Despite reaching one of the highest ranks in the force, ACP Seru insists her journey is far from over.
“I still have the ability to serve and improve,” she said.
“This is not the end of the road.”
If there is a legacy she hopes to leave behind, it is one grounded in integrity, honesty and genuine service.
“I want people to know that we are here to serve genuinely,” she said.
“If we cannot help, we should be honest about it, but always guide people in the right direction.”
Advice for the next generation
ACP Seru has urged young Fijian woman aspiring to join the force or pursue leadership positions to stay committed in the face of challenges.
“Leadership is not about position or decoration, it is about service,” she said.
“Build your confidence, work hard and take every opportunity.”
Senior Superintendent of Police Loraini Seru (centre) with fellow senior women officers of the Fiji Police Force, reflecting the growing presence of women in leadership roles within the organisation. Picture: FIJI POLICE FORCE
Then SP Loraini Seru receives her Certificate of Commendation from former ACP Biu Matavou for the successful investigation of the Ra sedition case. Picture: FIJI POLICE
ACP Crime Loraini Seru with fellow officer, SSP Wate Vocevoce.
Picture: FIJI CORRECTIONS SERVICE
ACP Loraini Seru (first from right) stands alongside senior women officers, highlighting a new era of representation and leadership for women in the Fiji Police Force. Picture: FIJI POLICE FORCE
