According to an article published in The Fiji Times on September 5, 1998, titled ‘We’ve got to keep up with the pace’, Police Commissioner Isikia Savua said it was increasingly difficult for the force to keep abreast of the country’s rapid development.
Mr Savua noted a clear trend — whenever major developments occurred in one part of the country, crime seemed to follow.
“On Viti Levu, we are trying our best to keep up with the rate of developments, while on Vanua Levu, we want to ensure that we are there before development programs expand,” Mr Savua said.
He made the remarks during the opening of the new Bucasia Police Post in Labasa, which became the 60th post established that year.
“One of the biggest problems we, the police, have, was chasing shadows, which means keeping pace with developments.
“What we have now found was that with the new road network around the country, this has bred a new type of criminal who appears on the scene.
“And these are the transient criminals.”
He explained that this type of criminal took advantage of improved roads to move from place to place committing offences, putting additional pressure on police resources.
Although the trend had not yet reached the north, the police were preparing for it.
“And so that was why the establishment of police posts in areas earmarked for development, as well as in rural areas, are very important.”
He emphasised that these measures allowed the police to stay a step ahead of potential offenders.
Mr Savua also dispelled concerns that establishing new police posts led to increased crime, citing statistics that showed otherwise since posts had begun opening the previous year.
Meanwhile, in Suva, 32 police recruits graduated the day before at a parade at Nasova, adding to the growing strength of the force.
