Newly graduated police officer Lilian Kalouvinaka Bolatolu believes stronger engagement and better communication between police and the public are essential to improving community safety and public confidence in the force.
The 24-year-old, who was among 150 Fiji and Tuvalu police officers who passed out in Batch 69 at the Fiji Police Academy, said one of the biggest challenges facing communities today was the lack of meaningful interaction between officers and the people they serve.
“In my opinion, one of the biggest issues is the lack of engagement between police officers and the communities they serve,” she said.
“I would like to improve that by strengthening community policing and encouraging more meaningful engagement with members of the public. Building trust is very important.”
PC Bolatolu, who is originally from Dravuwalu Village in Totoya, Lau, was also the recipient of the Commissioner’s Book Prize, awarded to the recruit who excelled in both the theoretical and practical components of the training program.
She said the way officers communicated with the public could significantly influence perceptions of the force.
“I believe police officers should always conduct themselves professionally and think carefully before they act,” she said.
“The way officers approach people and communicate with them can make a significant difference.”
Before joining the force, PC Bolatolu worked as a credit officer with Central Finance and also served as a special constable.
She said her training at the academy reinforced the importance of mastering the fundamentals of policing, including professionalism, customer service and effective communication.
“At the academy, we were taught the importance of properly recording statements, mastering the basics of policing and providing good customer service,” she said.
“We learned how important it is to remain calm, confident, professional and respectful when dealing with complainants and members of the public.”
PC Bolatolu said one of the greatest lessons she learned during training was the value of communication, both within the force and with the communities officers serve.
“The greatest lesson I learned was the importance of maintaining good communication, both within the force and with members of the public,” she said.
She added that professionalism in every interaction was crucial to building trust and strengthening relationships between police and the public.
