It is a pretty serious issue when people intentionally put their lives at risk. And that appears to be the case within the Fiji Police Force.
Well, it sounds that way when we consider that there is a little known, perhaps deeply embedded, culture within the force that sees seeking help as a weakness.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has warned that this attitude is putting officers’ lives at risk.
And, we say, that makes sense. In fact, it should attract attention. We cannot afford to sweep this aside either!
We have to point this out as a major challenge, and a major concern.
Speaking at a Police Remembrance Day event, held in honour of 38 officers and two police canines who died in the past year, Mr Tudravu said most of the deaths were not operational but linked to non-communicable diseases, with officers delaying medical care.
Now this late presentation is also a sad reflection of the state of the force.
Mr Tudravu noted a worrying pattern among the fallen officers, many of whom were aged between 30 and over 50.
He highlighted the stigma surrounding medical and psychological assistance, saying some officers feared being labelled weak or unfit for duty if they sought help.
Understandably, this probably stems from the expectations placed on the security forces.
Miliana Raibevu, 45, of Kalabu, Naitasiri, spoke about losing her husband, Nemani Koroca, who joined the force in 2005.
Mr Koroca was transferred to Labasa and became unwell while returning home. Mrs Raibevu said she did not know he was sick before he died on June 10, a day before his birthday.
His daughter, Amelia, said her father was committed to his duty despite his health struggles.
Now this is where the force must put in place measures that encourage its men and women to raise their fitness standards, and place greater value on healthy living.
Procedures and systems should assist officers in having time to improve their lives and to look after themselves.
But this must also be something the powers that be embrace as a positive way forward.
We have to make healthy choices daily. We have to be mindful of the kind of food we eat, and work on our mental health as well.
We should appreciate the need to take time out from our busy schedules to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Let’s consider this a warning for us all about the need to do the right thing. We have one life.
Let’s embrace it, and let’s live life to the brim.
Duty should never come at the expense of health.
Let’s face it! A strong Police Force needs healthy officers who feel safe enough to seek help. That should be a priority within the force.
If changing that culture can save lives, then let’s take that responsibility seriously!
