Police Reforms Please Minister Seruiratu
He calls for a collaborative approach to tackle sexual related crimes.
The Minister for Defence, Inia Seruiratu, is happy with the reforms taking place within the Fiji Police Force. The minister made his first official visit to the Fiji Police Force Special Response Unit in Narere yesterday.
The former Minister for Defence and National Security, Ratu Inoke Kubuabola, did not stand in the 2018 General Election. During Mr Seruiratu’s visit, he was presented with the Force’s Strategic Development Plan and briefed on the reforms, weaknesses and challenges within the Force.
“We discussed the reforms that are taking place, the weaknesses and challenges the Police Force faces and how they are preparing for these challenges that is anticipated to be encountered,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“I had discussions with the Commissioner of Police BrigadierGeneral Sitiveni Qiliho in key and relevant areas.
“With a constant change in environment and development in Fiji, these come with its positive and downsides as well.”
He said it was a good opportunity to see the progresses and how they were shaping their services to provide to the relevant services and sponsors.
“I had the opportunity to look at the existing direction that we will take and there is opportunity for us to look at policy issues and legislation as well,” the minister said. “Most of these need to be reviewed and this will be one of the major priorities for the Ministry of Defence.”
Mr Seruiratu mentioned there were plans in place to visit the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) sometime by next week.
In addition, he has called for support from the public and relevant stakeholders for a collaborative action on the crackdown of drug and sexual related crimes “There is an increase in drugs related crimes so on the positive that is an indication for the country that we are doing well in terms of arrests,” Mr Seruiratu said.
“I need to plead to the public on behalf of the Fiji Police Force. We need information from the communities and stakeholders to share information so that we can respond accordingly.”
Edited by Naisa Koroi