The Savusavu Town Council is calling for an overhaul of the local police force, claiming officers are failing to tackle widespread issues like public drinking, drug use, and discarded needles.
Chairman of the council’s special administrators, Shankar Singh claim police officers are turning a blind eye to illegal activities.
“The police know exactly where drugs are being sold and where people are drinking in public, but they do nothing about it,” he said.
He said the public’s perception was that officers seem to have given up on their responsibilities.
He said reports and complaints had been falling on deaf ears.
“We’ve found used needles behind the market. We report it to the police, but nothing happens.”
He believes the police force needs to be restructured to restore public trust.
“People are losing faith in the police because they’re not doing their job, and it seems like they’re getting paid off to ignore the problem.
“Until there’s a complete overhaul from the top, the situation will only get worse.”
He said they would write a letter to the commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, to pay a surprise visit to the Savusavu Police Station, as the services offered at the station are below standard.
In response, the Fiji Police Force said the divisional police commander would conduct a meeting to sort out the issues raised.
With regards to police-community collaboration, he said a Savusavu community Viber group existed where members exchange information about concerns, which police attended to.
