Police Commissioner Isikia Savua launched an initiative to involve traditional chiefs in combating crime in urban centres and assist with the rehabilitation of offenders.
According to an article published by The Fiji Times on May 3, 1994, Assistant Police Commissioner Aisea Taoka told a press conference in Suva that Mr Savua had instructed all divisional police commanders to strengthen their working relationships with chiefs and seek their support in fighting crime.
In Suva, the initiative was to involve chiefs from urban villages including Nabua, Tamavua, Nadonumai and Kinoya. In Lautoka, the program targeted villages such as Navutu, Namoli and Waiyavi.
Mr Taoka said police recognised the strong influence chiefs had over their communities and their ability to counsel offenders.
“The chiefs are a strong force, and we want to revive the contact between police and the chiefs to make the fight against crime more effective and meaningful,” Mr Taoka said.
He said that during a tour the previous year, Mr Savua met some chiefs and stressed the importance of their involvement in counselling offenders and assisting police.
Police commanders began meeting chiefs in their respective areas to discuss the challenges facing the force and ways they could work together.
Mr Taoka also announced that police had lifted a 10-day roadblock operation at strategic locations between Suva and Nausori.
He said the operation was successful with officers capturing dangerous criminals, arresting suspects wanted by police and apprehending people evading bench warrants.
A total of 134 officers, supported by 10 police vehicles, were deployed during the operation and were able to follow up on 94 serious cases.
Mr Taoka said members of the public also played an important role by providing information that led to the arrest of people involved in illegal activities.
“Support from members of the public was good,” he said.
“Some even went to the extent of supplying police officers with hot drinks during the cold nights and providing electricity for police posts.”
Responding to questions about increasing police numbers to match population growth and rising crime, Mr Taoka said the force’s greatest need was not additional manpower but improved facilities and resources.
On allegations of assaults on recaptured prisoners, he said police officers were not above the law.
“If complaints are received, full investigations will be carried out and disciplinary action, where necessary, will be taken.”
