Handover to aid police

IN a bid to help address violence against women and other related issues, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) gave $230,795 worth of information and communication technology (ICT) equipment to the Fiji Police Force on Thursday.

Officiating at the event, UNDP deputy resident representative Yemesrach Workie said most of equipment would be distributed to the Criminal Investigations Department (CID), the Sexual Offences Unit (SOU) along with the Fiji Police Force Academy.

She said the equipment included interactive screens, desktops, laptops, printers, and other devices aimed to enhance the ICT capabilities of police.

“But this exercise is not simply about handing over equipment – its more than that,” Ms Workie said.

“It’s about ensuring that police officers of today have proper access to the latest equipment and the latest technology that will assist them in the investigations, reporting and overall service delivery to communities across Fiji.

“We recognise the studies undertaken by the Ministry of Women, Children and Poverty Alleviation which articulate that 72 per cent of Fijian women are affected by some form of violence in their lifetime.

“Given this, the work that’s being done by the sexual offence unit becomes pivotal to achieve and guarantee early access to justice and prevention on sexual gender-based violence for women and children.

“We are working together to enhance knowledge and build capacity to keep elevating the quality of service provided, with a survivor centered approach and to deliver successful investigations that help end impunity for sexual offense perpetrators,” he said.

Fiji Police Chief of Intelligence and Investigations Assistant Commissioner of Police Surend Sami acknowledged the assistance and said the equipment would be put to good use and help improve their service delivery and contribute to the overall efforts of early access to justice and a victim-centered approach.

A Fijian

Reef called Conway

DISCOVERING

FIJI:

LANCE SEETO:

Savoury doughnuts

place

are here to stay