Articles

One hundred police constables graduated from the Basic Recruit Course at Fiji Police Academy yesterday.

The constables had undergone 16 weeks of Basic Recruit Course and the Prime Minister Commodore Josaia Voreqe Bainimarama was the chief guest at their Passing Out Parade at the Ready Action Unit drill square in Nasinu.

The Basic Recruit Course was held for police constables already serving in the Fiji Police Force but have not undergone the basic recruit trainning.

The best all round recruit and the winner of the Baton of Honour was Women Police Constable (WPC) Melania Tikoimacuata, Commissioner's Book Prize for the recruit scoring the highest aggregate marks in all written examinations went to WPC Rama Karti Gounder while Constable Epeli Caginivalu received the Commandant's Book Prize for the most improved recruit during the course.

Addressing the graduates the Prime Minister said Corruption is still rife within the Fiji Police Force despite the efforts now underway to eradicate it.

He said he had been made aware of such practices by some officers.

Commodore Bainimarama reminded officers that power comes with responsibility and responsibility abuse will not only undermine their credibility as individuals but also that of the force and the country.

"I still receive reports of Police Officers who investigate matters; make files disappear or slow the process because the complainant is related to them; is a friend; is from the same ethnic or religious group; comes from the same province, because the complainant is rich, well connected or part of the elite or worse still because they are corrupt," he said.

"You must not take bribes. You must not give bribes.

"All police officers must execute their responsibilities without fear or favor."

Commodore Bainimarama said in the past officers had failed to understand their crucial role in society.

They had engaged in practices that were corrupt, abused their powers, and was lethargic.

Though this legacy still resonates or still exists among some officers today, he said, the force, now has a Police Commissioner who has been mandated to remove such practices and indeed remove those who are engaged in such practices.

"Mr Government is committed to ensuring that the Police Force is well equipped. After all an efficient Force must have modern day tools," Commodore Bainimarama said.

He said there was a need for all officers and civil servants to constantly train themselves because it led to professionalism, credibility and integrity.

"As has been said, police effectiveness is not measured by the number of arrests but by the lack of crime," he said.

Meanwhile, inline with the Commissioner of Police, Brigadier-General Ioane Naivalurua's, intent the constables underwent the course so that they could serve the community better after being trained. The Commissioner said some police officers lack the training and knowledge needed for the force he wants.

The constables will be taking up their new posts and various police stations and community posts around the country on Monday.