The Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew has approved the wearing of a turban with the official Fiji Police crown.
The decision which was made after consultation with other senior members of the organisation, recognises and values the importance of religious diversity.
Acting Commissioner Chew said this was a testament of the organisation’s commitment in upholding the fundamental principles of equality and diversity.
The first Constable to don the reintroduced Police uniform will be Police Constable Navjeath Singh Sohata.
PC Sohata is a member of Batch 66 undergoing the Basic Recruits Course Training in Nasova, after being selected from the open market recruitment drive.
A devout Sikh, PC Sohata had marched into the Academy knowing the training requirements would require personal sacrifices on his part.
However, in respecting PC’s Sohata’s rights, Acting Commissioner Chew approved the wearing of the turban with the official Fiji Police crown.
The 20-year-old and former Dreketi Central College student said life as a recruit was difficult at first being away from his family, particularly his twin brother and younger sister, but after two weeks, he settled in and has been focused on learning as much as possible for the life of service that awaits him upon the completion of the four-month training.
“I have a number of people in my life who I look up to as inspiration and role models, and it is my goal to make them proud and be just as good as them when it comes to my professional life”.
He acknowledged the support of the senior hierarchy in embracing and respecting religious diversity within the organisation.
