The Fiji Police Force held a low-key passing out parade for 137 new recruits at the Nasova grounds last week.

And in his address to welcome the new officers, Fiji’s Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu advised them that because modern-day policing required officers to be able to face any new situation head-on, they needed to adapt to policing and not the other way around.

In what would normally be a major event on the Fiji Police calendar with family and loved ones present to witness and celebrate the achievements of their loved ones, the Acting Commissioner said the low-key event was a sign of how unpredictable the policing profession would be.

“No one ever imagined that we would be conducting this parade wearing masks,” A/CP Tudravu said.

“This is the reality of what Police officers face, where one day we are tackling traditional threats and the next we are faced with non-traditional threats such as this pandemic, and that is why we have to adapt and conduct this parade in the absence of your family and loved ones as we must forge on with the work that is required of us,” he said.

A/CP Tudravu said modern day policing required officers to be able to face any new situation head-on.

“You have chosen to be a police officer and I expect you to tune yourself, tune your mind and tune your body so that you are able to face any situation because that is the reality on the ground.

“The policing landscape is challenging and demanding and we cannot afford to have officers who cannot withstand the pressure that comes with it as it will impact your ability to be good servants to the people of Fiji.

“Be grateful that you were chosen out of thousands of others and are standing here as a confirmed member of the Fiji Police Force.

“We are not perfect and like other Policing institutions around the world – we have our shortfalls but we must never forget that we exist for a reason and we owe it to every Fijian to give 100 per cent of ourselves in everything we do.”

The 137 officers remain at the Fiji Police Academy and are assisting with operations within the Suva-Nausori containment zones.

Once containment borders open up, the officers will be deployed to their respective units and stations.