Waqabaca retires after 22 years in Police Force

The first female Police officer that was appointed as the Officer in Charge of the Criminal Office has finally retired from the organisation. Former Assistant Superintendent of Police Ana Waqabaca was farewelled at the Police Forensics Unit in Nasova last week following years of sacrifices and hard work. The mother of two, who had held the rank of Inspector for nine years, was promoted to Assistant Superintendent as Manager Forensics from 2018 until her retirement. Originally from Tunuloa in Cakaudrouve, the former ASP was first posted to Totogo Police Station in 1987 following recruitment and remained serving in the Criminal Records Office until 1990.

She was one of the three officers certified as Fingerprint Experts for the organisation during her tenure and began her training as a fingerprint technician in 1994.

Not only that as she also completed an advanced Forensic Science and Computer programme in India, way back in 2005 before attending the International Symposium on Forensic Science in Australia in 2008.

The former ASP was also a member of the Crime Scene Investigators Association conference in Australia in 2016 and will be also remembered as the longest-serving executive of the Fiji Police Credit Union.

Mrs Waqabaca, during her years of services, was awarded the Republic Service Medal, Long Services medal, and the Fiji Police medal.

She said retirement was a celebration of old memories and new beginnings, something that she shared after spending 22 years in the force.