Restorative Justice Training for Southern Officers

The Director Community Policing, Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Mitieli Divuana opened a four day Restorative Justice Training of Trainers Program for Southern Division Community Policing Officers at the National Youth Band building in Valelevu this morning.

The Training is facilitated by the Pacific Centre for Peacebuilding (PCP) and in giving an overview of the training program this morning PCP Executive Director Florence Swamy said as Community Policing Officers and Post Officers, it is important to understand Restorative Justices Practices, Principles and Tools, so they can manage disputes and conflicts in their line of work in a non-violent manner in the community.

The PCP has programs that are designed to enhance the capacity of communities, partners and stakeholders.

The Restorative Justice Program has been running since 2009 and is aimed at building relationships, giving respect, taking responsibility, undertaking repair and supporting reintegration.

In opening the training program, SSP Mitieli said Community policing is the way forward, and from issues and challenges faced in addressing crime, the full circle comes to a stop at Community Policing.

“Keep in mind that the safety and security of our fellow Fijians and visitors to our shores rely on our ability to work together and be proactive, the economic and social well-being of our Nation lies in our hands” he said.

28 Community Policing Officers are attending the training program which will end on Friday 10th February.