MORE funds are allocated to staffing than to capital works in the Fiji Police Force, according to the force’s officer in charge for planning.
Assistant Superintended of Police George Lagi said that of $226.8million allocated to the police for the 2024–2025 fiscal year, $180.8m was for salaries alone.
He said $11m was earmarked for capital projects, leaving approximately $30m to fund operational costs across the five policing divisions for the year.
“The bulk of our budget is focused on ensuring our officers are well-supported,” ASP Lagi said.
While speaking at a strategic overview workshop yesterday, ASP Lagi said the force had also grown in size.
“In the past, we had 3046 regular officers. Today, we have 5084.
“Along with this growth, additional support services have been established, such as a welfare unit, medical officer and four psychologists.”
He added they had also increased the force’s capabilities over the years.
“We now have 446 vehicles and a more advanced infrastructure to support our work.”
Apart from this, ASP Lagi said testing kits for illicit drugs had been improved.
“Previously, officers had to send marijuana samples for testing, which could take over a week.
“Now, with our digital forensic lab, we can complete the process within minutes.”
He said facilities at four police stations across the country had also been improved.
