New police stations were built by the previous Government but smaller stations were left ignored, says Finance Minister Biman Prasad.

He said in the next financial year, the focus would be shifted to the outer posts.

“Over the years, the previous Government has constructed new police stations which has cost close to $100 million while many existing police stations, quarters and posts were neglected,” he said.

“With the focus on maintenance and bringing our infrastructure to a better standard, $3m is allocated for the renovation and upgrade of Police quarters and posts.”

He said the Fiji Police Force had been allocated a total of $183.7m.

“The force is increasingly focused on preventing cybercrimes and combating the distribution and use of illegal drugs.

“The force will receive an additional 100 Police Constables to boost its operations for which a sum of $2.3m is allocated in the budget.

“To improve police visibility, $700,000 is allocated to strengthen the Police Beat Patrol in both urban and rural areas.

“This is a new initiative for crime prevention.”