Soft Opening of Maritime Waterpol Command Center

The soft opening of the Maritime Water Police Command Center was officiated by the Australian Federal Police Pacific Commander Melinda Phelan.

The facility is located at the WATERPOL Base at Draunibota in Lami.

Funded by the Australian Federal Police the Command Centre is now equipped with capabilities to monitor the movement of vessels.

The Water Police Command center can also monitor and coordinate search and rescue efforts out at sea.

“The Maritime Command Center represents the Fiji Police Force and the AFP’s continued partnership to deliver the best practice technical and trending solutions to fight crime in Fiji and help the Fijian people,” said Commander Phelan.

“This will enable the Fiji Police Force to deliver and coordinate operational effect to the far reaches and allow coordination.

This Command Center delivers cutting edge technologies and can harness drone footage and underwater camera feeds.”

Commander Phelan thanked the Fiji Police Force for its partnership and friendship.

Fiji Police Commissioner Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho said he is grateful to the Australian Government for its timely assistance.

“The level of cooperation between our institutions is striving and the outcome have positively impacted our ability to serve the people of Fiji and its visitors”, said Commissioner Qiliho.

He adds that Policing has become more challenging with increasing demand from members of the public.

"While our resources are limited, we are hoping to change that through the use of technology we see today.

I can assure you all, that all these resources will be utilized for its intended purposes and to better serve the people of Fiji along with its visitors.”