Cops hang boots

NO POLICE TEAMS FOR ALL SPORTS

THE upcoming 2024 sports season is poised to kick off without the presence of Police players representing their respective clubs, provincial unions, and districts.

This development follows the Fiji Police Force’s strategic realignment of operations post the festive season, with a heightened focus on their core functions, specifically the protection of life and property, as articulated by Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) Livai Driu.

The rationale behind this decision is to bolster the visibility and on-theground presence of the police force, with a dedicated emphasis on delivering essential services to the public, a responsibility funded by taxpayers.

“We want to boost our visibility and boots on ground and service delivery to the public which is paid by taxpayers,” Driu said.

Several rugby provincial unions, including prominent teams such as Nadroga and Nadi, will commence their season without the active participation of police officers. Nadroga, for instance, will be without the contributions of nine police officers, while Nadi will miss the presence of five.

Acting Commissioner of Police Juki Fong Chew clarified that at present, police officers will abstain from participating in all sports.

However, he indicated that this policy would undergo regular review as they move forward. The decision to release officers for sports engagements will be at the discretion of the divisional police commanders.

“As of now it is all sports, as we move forward; it will be reviewed and the divisional police commanders will make the call to release any of these officers to participate or not,” Chew said.

The Acting Commissioner underscored that the Fiji Police Force’s current top priority is service delivery to the nation.

“Our priority is our service delivery to the people of Fiji and its visitors,” he added.