Fiji’s Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has issued a stern warning to new recruits, declaring that the Fiji Police Force is not breeding grounds for criminals” as 152 officers graduated with a nationally accredited policing qualification.
Officiating at the certificate handover ceremony, Commissioner Tudravu stressed the importance of integrity and discipline in policing, warning recruits that misconduct would not be tolerated.
“The Fiji and Tuvalu Police Forces are not breeding grounds for criminals, nor will disobedience be entertained,” he said.
“We are going through difficult times where we are constantly under scrutiny because of the failure of some of our comrades to uphold the ethics and laws that govern our work.”
The Commissioner said new recruits could not hide behind inexperience, stressing that maturity and professionalism were essential from the outset of their careers.
“Maturity in policing is mandatory. There is no free pass for being a newly passed out recruit.”
“The excuse that you are young and new to policing is not an excuse, just as ignorance of the law cannot be used as defence in a court of law.”
Tudravu urged the graduates to remain faithful to the principles they had learned during training and to always operate within the law.
“Do not stray from what you have learned – policing is not a profession that you make your own rules.”
“Always work within the law and you will have a long prosperous career. Go forth and serve with honour and integrity.”
The revamped training programme was delivered with support from the New Zealand Police through the Fiji Police Partnership Programme, which strengthened investigative capabilities through structured training.
Civil society organisations also contributed to the programme, providing instruction on human rights, gender-based violence and victim-centred policing to ensure alignment with national priorities and international standards.
Batch 69 will officially pass out from the Nasova Grounds on Friday, June 19, marking the completion of their Basic Recruits Course Training.
