In a strongly worded statement released today, Police defended ongoing joint operations and warned against what it described as attempts to undermine investigations through social media allegations and leaked internal documents.
“The Fiji Police Force will not be held at ransom by individuals whose only motive is to divide and create a distraction from the joint efforts underway to dismantle criminal networks,” the statement said.
The comments come amid claims circulating online alleging misconduct involving a senior police officer and requests for money from junior officers.
While Police did not directly address the allegations, the organisation said certain individuals continued making accusations against Police officers and other officials but later refused to cooperate with investigations.
Police said this had resulted in substantial public resources being used unnecessarily.
“As a result, taxpayers’ money has been wasted on the conduct of investigations that spanned across Fiji and overseas, in the organisation’s effort to ascertain the truth to the claims made,” the statement noted.
The Force stressed that complaints against Police officers should be formally reported through official channels rather than through social media.
“If any individual or any other person has grievances or a complaint against members of the organisation, they are urged to follow the proper channels and lodge an official report,” Police said.
According to the statement, reports received through official mechanisms have resulted in investigations and, in some instances, officers being charged and produced before the courts.
“Police officers have been charged and produced in court, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to holding its own members accountable for their actions,” the statement said.
The Force also warned officers about breaching internal procedures and ethics requirements.
“This has also been reiterated to members of the organisation, in that failure to comply with the code of ethics and internal processes, will result in disciplinary processes,” Police stated.
Police further confirmed that leaking internal documents would itself attract disciplinary action.
“The leakage of internal documents is a serious breach, warranting internal disciplinary action,” the statement added.
The Fiji Police Force said it would not redirect resources toward investigating unsupported claims made online by individuals unwilling to provide evidence or cooperate with investigators.
“The joint efforts will not be derailed by keyboard warriors, and remain focused on disrupting, dismantling and destroying criminal networks,” the statement concluded.
