"Adapt to Policing"

“Adapt to policing, policing does not adapt to you”.

Words of advice shared by the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu to one hundred and thirty seven officers during their Passing-Out Parade held recently at the Nasova Grounds.

A low key Pass-out Parade was conducted at the Fiji Police Academy's Nasova Grounds due to the pandemic as officers were formally welcomed by the Acting Head as the newest members of the institution.

In what would normally be a major event on the Fiji Police calendar with family and loved ones present to witness the passing out of their loved ones, the Acting Commissioner said the low-key event was a sign of how unpredictable the policing profession will be.

“No one ever imagined that we would be conducting this parade wearing masks”.

“This is the reality of what Police officers face, where one day we are tackling traditional threats and the next we are faced with non-traditional threats such as this pandemic and that is why we have to adapt and conduct this parade in the absence of your family and loved ones as we must forge on with the work that is required of us”.

A/CP Tudravu said modern day policing required officers to be able to face any new situation head on.

“You have chosen to be a police officer and I expect you to tune yourself, tune your mind and tune your body so that you are able to face any situation because that is the reality on the ground”.

“The policing landscape is challenging and demanding and we cannot afford to have officers who cannot withstand the pressure that comes with it as it will impact your ability to be good servants to the people of Fiji”.

The Acting Commissioner also reminded the young officers to be thankful and appreciative of having a place within the institution.

"Be grateful that you were chosen out of thousands of others and are standing here as a confirmed member of the Fiji Police Force".

“We are not perfect and like other Policing institutions around the world - we have our shortfalls but we must never forget that we exist for a reason and we owe it to every Fijian to give 100% of ourselves in everything we do”.

The 137 officers remain at the Fiji Police Academy and are currently assisting with operations within the Suva-Nausori containment zones.

Once containment borders open up, the officers will be deployed to their respective Units and Stations.