POLICE Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says the Fiji Police Force’s latest budget submission is the first to fully reflect the scope and cost of its activities and services.
Speaking to the media, Mr Tudravu said the submission was based on a detailed costing plan of the force’s operations and responsibilities.
“This is the first time that we are trying to push a budget that really reflects the activities that we do,” he said.
“A costing plan on the things that we do.”
Mr Tudravu acknowledged the Government’s financial constraints, citing the ongoing fuel crisis, but said the force had completed its part of the budget process and was awaiting a response from the Ministry of Finance.
“What they’ll give us, we’ll work on that.”
In an earlier interview, Permanent Secretary for Policing Berenado Daveta said the force had submitted its own budget proposals, including plans to strengthen maritime policing capabilities.
Mr Daveta said police operations were primarily land-based, with only a small maritime component, and currently relied on the Republic of Fiji Military Forces Navy to patrol Fiji’s maritime waters and Exclusive Economic Zone.
He said the Police Force hoped to acquire more boats and establish bases in locations such as Lakeba, Savusavu and Denarau to improve patrol coverage within Fiji’s territorial waters.
Asked whether the force would seek an increased budget, Mr Daveta said its request would depend on the allocation available from Government.
“I would like to, but it depends on what has been shared.
“But we have our own proposals given to them.”
