Regular visits to schools: ACP Driu
Police officers will be conducting daily school visits to raise awareness about illicit drugs and other potential threats to students’ education.
Acting Commissioner of Police Operations, Livai Driu, made the comment on recent school searches that have been occurring recently.
Last week, two students, one from Lautoka and the other from Nausori were arrested after being allegedly found in possession of illicit drugs in the school premises.
Police officers are conducting visitations on a daily basis to schools, conducting awareness, talking to students not only about illicit drugs, but other issues that could potentially be of harm to their education and future. Livai Driu Acting Commissioner of Police Operations
It was confirmed that the 17-yearold student from Lautoka had white substances believed to be cocaine while the other 17-year-old student from Nausori was found with dried leaves believed to be marijuana.
Two students were arrested and ongoing investigations are underway.
ACP Driu said all school searches pertained to reports lodged by the respective school teachers.
“Reports were lodged by the respective teachers and then the necessary investigations conducted,” he said.
“Police officers are conducting visitations on a daily basis to schools, conducting awareness, talking to students not only about illicit drugs, but other issues that could potentially be of harm to their education and future.” Ministry of Education’s permanent secretary, Selina Kuruleca said that teachers and child protection officers have been trained on how to handle school-related issues.
“Checks do occur; teachers and child protection officers are trained and aware of the next steps which include parents being informed, as well as head of school and then counselling support is provided,” she said.
“These processes will be managed by the head of schools ensuring the safety of our children and putting into place mechanisms to support the students and prevent further harm.”
Ms Kuruleca said the involvement of parents in this process was also imperative.
“We must involve parents and continue to request parents for their support and cooperation,” she said.
“Talk with your children and show them that you are concerned and want to help them.
“When you and I parents feel stuck, ask for help from your talatala, school counsellors.”