POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says the reduction in police funding to $226.5million in the 2026–2027 National Budget will not affect operations as the force focuses on filling 400 vacancies.
Mr Tudravu said the current allocation, despite being lower than last year’s $240.3m, would still support ongoing police work across the country.
“We have to prioritise what the priorities are, and then we will carry on from there,” he said.
Mr Tudravu said recruitment remained one of the key priorities as of now, with 400 vacant positions expected to be filled during the financial year.
“We have already had a report that was done, so we have the pool of candidates already there.”
Mr Tudravu added earlier Government approval for additional recruitment including 588 officers remained part of long-term planning.
He said concerns about compromised officers within the force were being addressed through existing internal procedures and would not be affected by the allocation.
On operational matters, Mr Tudravu said the reduction in funding would not affect key functions, including ongoing joint operations with the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces, which would be assessed based on available resources.
“As I have stated, we need to look at the bigger picture and support the Government in this critical time.”
Mr Tudravu said station upgrades and renovations would also be prioritised based on funding availability.
“I know that not all things can be facilitated from the budget, but we will look into the priorities of funding that are coming now in this financial year.”
