Seruiratu: City Police Stations Will Be Elevated To Metropolitan Stations
‘Concentrated movement of people will offer individuals and groups the opportunity to explore the opportunity to commit crimes’
Lautoka and Suva will have their Police headquarters elevated to be Metropolitan Stations.
During the ground-breaking ceremony for the new $29.8 million Lautoka Police Station yesterday Minister for Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs, Inia Seruiratu, outlined plans to bring about major changes.
The new Lautoka Station is envisioned to adapt and effectively meet the demands of the growing Lautoka communities.
This is in line with the Commissioner of Police’s five-year restructure plan.
The news of investments into law enforcement capabilities such as the $29.8 million new modern Lautoka Police Station will draw the attention of international law enforcement agencies that will show their support towards our efforts in fighting transnational crime.
“This is because of their status of having high economic activities – which at times can draw hundreds of thousands of people to their respective areas of operations,” Mr Seruiratu said. “Lautoka’s concentrated movement of people will offer individuals and groups the opportunity to explore the opportunity to commit crimes. More collaboration needs to be strengthened because Lautoka being Fiji’s second city and a major manufacturing and business hub - is developing rapidly. “We must work together to combat emerging crime threats.” Mr Seruiratu praised the people for recording an eight per cent reduction in crime in the Lautoka area last year.
Police statistics have indicated a reduction in Lautoka’s crime rate: – the Sugar City in 2018 recorded 28 per cent of the crimes recorded in the Western Division and 10 per cent of the overall crime in Fiji. “As Lautoka is a densely populated area – policing strategies need to be innovative to counter the prevalent offences of aggravated robbery, theft, damaging property, common assault and serious assault,” Minister Seruiratu said. Lautoka, being an important driver of Fiji’s economic growth requires a Fiji Police Force that is responsive and is able to deliver services that will build a better and more secure Lautoka.
“Bolstering the Fiji Police Force’s efforts in the maintenance of law and order has resulted in increased investor confidence from the local and international business communities, where Fiji and Lautoka’s reputation as ideal locations to visit and invest continues to grow,” Mr Seruiratu said “Cognizant to Government’s efforts in expanding Fiji’s global footprints is Fiji’s security climate, hence our focus on strengthening law enforcement.” He acknowledged the Police Commissioner’s efforts in expanding the Force’s own global footprints in line with Government’s intent. Mr Seruiratu extended congratulations on the recent announcement of the Force being a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police – an association with 30,000 members in 150 countries.