The Fiji Police Force received a major financial boost of $2.8 million from the government on July 6, 1995 and police commissioner Isikia Savua outlined at a press conference the details of how the funds would be utilised to boost strategies in combating crime.
An article in The Fiji Times the following day reported Mr Savua saying about half the funds, or $1.113m, were to be used to employ 200 new special constables around the country.
He said $400,000 would be used to replace existing communication equipment such as walkie-talkies.
Mr Savua said the additional funds were allocated after a police force paper was submitted to the government, which outlined what was needed to tackle crime in Fiji.
The police had asked for about $31m over five years from the government.
The regular budget for the force is $26m.
Mr Savua said it was the first time since 1970 that the police had been given such a boost from the government.
He said they were more able to go after the criminals instead of having to wait for support, extra equipment and facilities needed to fight crime.
“Support equipment (such as) stretchers, radio telephones and emergency equipment will be bought at a cost of $100, 000,” Mr Savua said.
“Additional uniforms, accessories and police kits will also be bought at $160,000.”
The article stated new police posts were to be established and upgraded to fight crime in rural and suburban areas at a cost of $150,000.
Mr Savua highlighted that new police patrol boats were to be purchased for surveillance, patrol and search and research purposes.
“We will purchase search and rescue boats for Lautoka and Suva. These will be half-cabin, 260-horsepower aluminum hulled boats,” he said.
The force at the time had three aluminum open punts with small motor engines, one based in Buca Bay, Savusavu, one in Nausori and one on Vanua Balavu.
Mr Savua said $400,000 was also allocated to purchase new vehicles for the force.
“We are currently in the process of converting one vehicle into a rescue vehicle.”
He said the rescue vehicle was to be equipped with medical and emergency facilities to be deployed in emergencies. Police were also to be trained in first aid and rescue work.
Mr Savua said computer systems were to be installed in all areas as $40,000 had been set aside for it.
Another $40,000 had also been set aside for maintenance of existing police vehicles, and $400,000 would be used to provide accommodation for police officers.
The existing police communications equipment was out of date.
Mr Savua emphasised the onus was on police to combat crime instead of making excuses about not having the necessary equipment.
