Nanise Neimila
Contrary to popular belief, crime rate has declined, according to a report released recently by the Fiji Police Force.
Speaking in the Fijian Parliament last fortnight, Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs Minister Inia Seruiratu said that there has not been an upsurge of crime.
“In fact, crime statistics for the six months from January to June 2019 indicates that serious crime has declined by 4%. Steps are being taken by Police and our City and Town Councils through Director of Local Government to find long term solutions that can effectively keep these crime trends down,” he said.
Long-term solutions needed
Mr Seruiratu said that having boots on the ground may result in the reduction of robberies
and theft in the short term, but there is a need to find workable and long-term solutions.
“Solutions include improving lighting in Suva along areas that are prone to opportunistic crimes. We have been assured that these areas will be well it, making nightlife in Suva safer for everyone to move around freely,” he said.
Collaboration on where the 20 new CCTV cameras will be installed in a few weeks-time is also an ongoing discussion between the Suva City Council and the Police, so that the cameras complement the work of law enforcement, he said.
Patrol Cars reintroduced
Patrol Cars will be reintroduced in Suva, so that incidents can be attended promptly, Mr Seruiratu said and added, the response time has been an issue.
“Discussions will also be held to link the existing CCTV cameras to a central location where the Police can view and monitor the streets of Suva,” he said.
Acknowledging with thanks the declaration of Suva Retailers Association that traders are willing to contribute financially to the purchase of more security cameras, he said that the government’s focus on enhancing national security has paid dividends and aided
Suva’s economic growth.
“We ask the business community to exercise their corporate social responsibility by assisting the Police in investing in these cost effective but long term solutions that can contribute to creating safer environment for their customers.” he said.
Mr Seruiratu said that in curbing crime, the Police would need rigorous, collaborated operational strategy as well as surveillance.
The above Report appeared in Fiji Focus.
Chiefs discuss Drugs menace
The Commissioner of Police, Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho attended the 48th Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Conference held in in Pagopago, American Samoa from August 21 to August 23, 2019. His delegation included Senior Superintendent of Police Ulaiasi Ravula and Staff Officer, Inspector of Police Aisake Kafoa.
The theme of this year’s Conference was ‘Preventing Drug Harm within our Communities” hosted by the Department of Public Safety of American Samoa.
The Conference brought together Chiefs and Commissioners of Police from 21 Member countries to discuss emerging crime trends in the Pacific and harnessing a collaborative approach towards addressing policing issues.
Among the other officials who attended the Conference included PICP Women’s Advisory Network (WAN) Assistant Superintendent of Police Ruci Nasemira and Interpol President.
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Photo Caption:
Defence, National Security and Foreign Affairs Minister Inia Seruiratu
