"Service with humility"
This is the strategic focus directed by the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu for the Fiji Police Force for the first three months of 2021.
The Acting Commissioner said he continues to be concerned about the growing number of complaints against service and Police, reiterating the importance of serving with humility while issuing a directive to members of the Command and Divisional Command Group to address complaints against the institution.
“Our calling is one of Service and must be conducted with humility, empathy, sympathy and with respect".
"I want every member of this organization to understand and respect that, and I want this to be implemented in all aspects of policing whether you're conducting traffic checks, serving at counters in charge rooms, attending to reports or support service from our offices”.
The Acting Commissioner issued the directive to all Police Officers saying that simple acts of kindness can have a major impact on winning hearts and minds.
“All members of the organization must be humble and polite and shall address with either Sir or Madam, irrespective of one's status in society".
The Acting Head of the organization stressed that everyone must act with integrity in line with the values and ethical standards of policing while taking ownership of resolving problems, demonstrating courage and resilience in dealing with difficult situations.
He added that it was mportant for all police officers to understand the expectations and evolving needs of different communities, and continue to be beacons of hope where all Fijians can find comfort during trouble times rather than left feeling more victimized which has been the unfortunate case in the past.
Acting Commissioner Tudravu said it was about getting back to basics and getting the small things right and it was up to members of the Command Group to reinforce the message to all officers under their command.
He added that all members of the organization should be committed to the principle and belief that all people have the right to be treated with respect and dignity regardless of their gender, race, religion or ethnicity.
The Acting Commissioner of Police acknowledged the support by members of the public, Government, law enforcement stakeholders and civil society adding the onus was on every member of the Fiji Police Force to maintain the support by upholding the principles of policing and respecting the call to serve with humilty and respect.
A series of workshops and short trainings will be conducted during the first three months of 2021 focused on service delivery.
The Acting Commissioner says the focus of the first three months of 2021 will be on improving service delivery and all complaints against service or Police officers will be taken seriously and dealt with according to the internal disciplinary processes.
