Reduction in Crime Rate

Partnerships with the community, faith-based organisations, business operators, Non-Government Organisations, civil society, private and public entities, regional and international law enforcement and support from Government have all contributed to a 13% reduction in the overall crime rate for the first 7-months of 2021.

Failure to comply with orders (FTCWO) pertaining to COVID-19 safe measures continue to be an issue.

A 15% reduction of overall crime could have been registered if it had not been for the high number of FTCWO cases Serious Crime also recorded a decrease of 3%, while Crime against women and children recorded an 11% and 2% reduction respectively.

A major 56?crease was also recorded for the number of illicit drugs cases for the 7-month period.

For the month of July, a 20% reduction in overall crime was recorded.

Again due to the high number of Failure to comply with Orders reports the overall crime rate could have registered a 31% reduction.

Serious crime recorded a 42?crease, Crimes against Women a 22?crease, Crimes against Children a reduction of 62% while drugs recorded a 50?crease.

While there have been major decreases for the 7-month reporting period from January to July, the Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho recognizes the fact that there is room for improvement and these numbers can be reduced further.

Brigadier General Qiliho commended the efforts of all stakeholders as the reduction was an achievement made possible through increased collaboration.

He also acknowledged the efforts put in by the Deputy Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu and all members of the institution during the 7-month reporting period.

Brigadier General Qiliho said the focus is now on maintaining the reduction, particularly with serious crimes, crimes against women and children and drugs.

He adds the institutional focus on implementing Tough, Smart and Friendly policing strategies is a concept aimed at tackling crime under the current situation brought about by the pandemic which has presented its own set of unique challenges.

The head of the Fiji Police Force is optimistic that by being proactive through community policing, more Fijians will adopt a change of mindset in that safety and security is a shared responsibility and that a lot can be achieved when we work together rather than against each other.