A police culture that sees seeking help as weakness is putting officers’ lives at risk, Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has warned.
Speaking at a Police Remembrance Day event, held in honour of 38 officers and two police canines who died in the past year, Mr Tudravu said most of the deaths were not operational but linked to non-communicable diseases, with officers delaying medical care.
“A worrying similarity is noted with our other fallen officers, majority of whom were aged between 30 to over 50 years,” he said.
“Their commitment to their work unfortunately prioritises the need to seek early medical intervention.
“Police officers fear being labelled weak or unfit for duty if they seek medical or psychological help. It is a stigma that is unspoken and needs to be addressed.”
The impact of losing an officer was reflected by Miliana Raibevu, 45, of Kalabu, Naitasiri, whose husband, Nemani Koroca, joined the force in 2005.
Mr Koroca was transferred to Labasa and became unwell while returning home. Mrs Raibevu said she did not know he was sick before he died on June 10, a day before his birthday.
His daughter, Amelia, said her father remained committed to his duty despite his health struggles.
“My dad never slept well, never ate well, but he never backed out from his duty, he would still go,” she said.
Mr Tudravu urged officers to prioritise their health.
