THERE is no need for the public to be afraid of both the police and military, says Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu.
Speaking yesterday on the heightened joint operations between the Fiji Police Force and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces, Mr Tudravu reassured members of the public that the operations were being guided by clear protocols.
“I can reassure the members of the public that there is nothing to be afraid of,” Mr Tudravu said.
He said the RFMF Commander Major General Ro Jone Kalouniwai had spoken to his officers and had reassured him that concerns raised about the operations would be looked into.
“The commander has control of his army.”
Mr Tudravu said the operations were being assessed regularly based on developments and information received.
“So we are reviewing every week and also the guidance given to the team, both with the discussion between me and the commander.”
Addressing reports that some communities were afraid to come forward to police, either because of intensified operations or threats within their own communities, Mr Tudravu said members of the public should continue to report information.
“That’s why we have 1681, our call centre, and our Crime Stoppers.
“We are there to assist, we are there to protect those that are informing us of any information about drugs.”
Mr Tudravu said members of the public did not need to be afraid when sharing information with police.
“They don’t have to be afraid or have fear because as of now, the joint task force will be up on top in all the operations in regards to drugs.”
COMPOL: No rift between police, military
POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says police will continue to lead joint force operations against drugs, despite concerns over the presence of armed military officers in civilian neighbourhoods.
Responding to questions after an online video showed military officers armed and moving through the Public Rental Board housing area along Mead Rd, Nabua, he said the understanding between police and the Republic of Fiji Military Forces was clear.
“Everything is based on intelligence and based on the things that are happening on the ground,” he said.
“They are there to support the Fiji Police.”
When asked whether the weapons carried by military officers were loaded, Mr Tudravu said that was a matter for the RFMF to address.
Mr Tudravu said RFMF Commander Major General Jone Kalouniwai had again reassured him of the
military’s support for the joint task force operation and the country’s overall security.
He also dismissed claims of a rift between the RFMF and the Fiji Police Force.
He said the joint task force’s work included intelligence sharing, operational planning and support on the ground across all five policing divisions.
“The joint task force works in support of the national operations in disrupting, destroying and destabilising the criminal networks.
He said the RFMF Commander had clearly stated that the military would continue to support police in joint operations.
‘No cover-up in officer death case’
THE police are investigating their own in relation to the death of the late Police Constable Peniasi Racagi.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed this while stressing there was no cover-up in the
investigation.
He said the investigation team was looking into two avenues based on information gathered or received.
“This includes the late officer’s death and the allegations of police involvement.”
Mr Tudravu said police understood the doubts surrounding the investigation process following the latest court proceeding.
However, he gave his assurance that all processes had been strictly followed.
“The investigation file was submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution before the formal laying of charges.
“This is a necessary process to ensure transparency of the investigation conducted by police when it involves one of our own, whether they are victim or suspect of an investigation.”
Mr Tudravu said he would not comment further on issues before the court and would leave the matter to the State Prosecutor.
Online attacks on police ‘must stop’
POLICE will pursue legal action against social media users overseas who continue to damage the image of the Fiji Police Force with unfounded allegations.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu issued the warning during a press conference in Suva, saying the force would not be used to advance personal or political agendas.
“I want to put on notice those who are carrying out these cowardly virtual attacks,” Mr Tudravu said.
Mr Tudravu said police were guided by process and would follow legal avenues in addressing the claims being made online.
“We understand that majority of these people are from overseas and we are looking into other legal
avenues that are available.
“The repeated attacks on the integrity of the institution and members without any credible evidence, with the intent of causing serious reputational harm, must stop.”
He said the motive behind the allegations appeared to be malicious and intended to cause division or serve individual or institutional interests.
He said because the matter would be addressed through legal processes, he would not comment further.
Mr Tudravu also urged members of the public with genuine complaints against him or any member of the Fiji Police Force to use the proper reporting channels.
“If you have issues, genuine complaints against me or members of the Fiji Police Force, please follow the proper channels of reporting.”
When asked about allegations naming senior police officers, Mr Tudravu said people could not simply implicate senior officers without following proper processes.
“You can’t just implicate the senior police officers and in general.
“There are avenues and there are protocols that are in place.
“Lodge an official complaint, we’ll investigate.”
Disciplinary action taken on officers
POLICE officers in the Fiji Police Force have undergone disciplinary action after being found guilty of “leaking information”.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu confirmed this, saying internal investigations had been carried out against “some” officers.
“We have a process and system that are in place for us,” Mr Tudravu said.
“And we are very mindful and we have investigated a few of our own in regards to that.”
Mr Tudravu said disciplinary processes were in place for officers found to have breached internal
procedures.
While he did not reveal how many officers had been investigated or disciplined, he said investigations into the matter were ongoing and described it as an internal issue.
“We understand the view of the general public and we fully understand what is mandated to us by law.”
He said police were working to maintain public trust and any conduct outside their mandate would be dealt with through internal processes and procedures.
