Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu made a powerful statement on Sunday during a special church service for his officers.
Changing public perception of the Fiji Police Force, he stressed, will require every officer to serve with honesty and hard work.
That message strikes at the heart of the challenge confronting the institution today.
Honesty and hard work. There can be no compromise.
Every police officer, wherever they serve in the country, must commit to these principles if the Force is to rebuild its standing with the public. Nothing more, and nothing less.
Speaking at the Force’s Quarterly Church Parade at the World Harvest Centre, Mr Tudravu acknowledged that the actions of a few had cast a shadow over the organisation.
He admitted the Force had struggled with damaging labels, including accusations of corruption, lack of trustworthiness and being compromised. The Commissioner urged officers to help shift those perceptions by staying true to their oath and serving the people with integrity.
It was a timely reminder that rebuilding trust begins with the daily conduct of officers on the streets, in stations, and in communities across the country.
Mr Tudravu also noted that police officers, like other Fijians, turn to their faith during difficult times. The nature of police work exposes officers to trauma, grief and distress, and many rely on spiritual guidance to cope with those challenges.
In acknowledging this, the Commissioner expressed gratitude to Fiji’s faith-based organisations for their continued support and prayers for officers as the Force confronts internal and external challenges.
Improving service delivery, he said, will remain a central priority of his leadership as the organisation works toward stability and progress.
During the service, Christian Mission Fellowship International president Reverend Suliasi Kurulo encouraged officers to remain steadfast in their duties. He reminded them that policing was a calling that requires faith, strength and commitment to see through.
At this moment in time, when the Force faces significant tests, the message could not be clearer.
The organisation needs men and women of integrity.
This is no place for the faint-hearted.
Police officers must now stand up to be counted. They must rise to meet the expectations of a nation grappling with serious challenges.
Among the most pressing is the growing battle against illicit drugs. The problem has spread through communities and created complex pressures for law enforcement. Adding to public concern have been cases where officers themselves have appeared before the courts accused of involvement in the drug trade.
Such incidents have negatively impacted the crisis of confidence facing the Force.
The organisation has been the subject of strong criticism and numerous allegations, all of which have contributed to a negative public perception.
That perception must be confronted and corrected.
And that effort must begin from within.
The men and women in blue must be accountable for their actions and committed to the values expected of them. Professionalism, discipline and transparency must guide every decision and every interaction with the public.
As Commissioner Tudravu has emphasised, the task ahead is to win back the respect and trust of the people.
That will not happen overnight. Trust, once damaged, takes time to rebuild. But it can be restored through consistent effort and visible change.
When officers unite, upholding the principles of honesty, integrity and hard work, the Force can begin to turn the tide.
In the end, restoring trust will depend on unity within the ranks, honesty in their actions, and the determination to work hard for the good of the nation.
