Lautoka Police Station

Satish Nakched, Suva

Last weekend I was driving past the old Lautoka Police Station beside the Natabua High School and could not resist the temptation to stop and have a closer look at the place where I initially started off my career.

The premise was extensively damaged by the recent cyclone and is in ruins now. The side gate was open and there were a few official Police vehicles and some private cars parked inside the compound and hoping to find someone I entered the yard because there was no entry prohibition notice.

I was walking down memory lane when I went past the Traffic Office, the Charge room and the Crime office. Upon seeing the canteen I could remember clearly the lamb flap curries that were cooked on a continuous basis throughout and the only reason we ate it was because we were always broke and a lifeline was provided in terms of a temporary credit account by the caterer.

I entered the single men's quarters at the back and found that most of the windows and doors were missing and the damaged furniture scattered everywhere.

What surprised me was the official Police records among the wreckage in the form of statements, summons and other very confidential documents.

There was also a wooden cabinet with glass doors upstairs that had old files in excellent condition and a table was placed against it, preventing the door from opening.

The documentation inside the locker contained sensitive information such as staff disciplinary cases, promotions and investigation dockets.

Some of the files had documentation regarding unsuccessful cases, the crime detection rates and other related information.

The sight scared me because there was no one there and I could be trespassing and left out immediately.

I believe that this happened because there was no proper documentation tracking device and disposal method used.

I believe when shifting to the new location all the files should have been moved as well, but in case of the obsolete documents proper procedural destruction methods should have been activated.

The old documents cannot be discarded as such, which needs urgent attention, the premises made secure and the gates locked.