“­­­­Community policing must come to the fore”

This was the main message delivered by the Minister for Home Affairs and Immigration Hon. Pio Tikoduadua during the second day of his tour of the Northern Division which began at the Wailevu Community Police Post this morning.

A fruitful talanoa session was held with Wailevu villagers, where he called on the elders, men, women and youth to work with police in curbing illegal activities, in particular the cultivation of marijuana.

While acknowledging Government's role and responsibility in supporting Police’s efforts in eradicating the illicit drugs by providing alternative sources of income that were consistent and reliable, the Hon. Minister said the main effort needed to be driven by the community as police were at the back end of the crime after it had been committed.

During his visit to the Tukavesi Police Station, Minister Tikoduadua stressed the need for the officers to shift their focus and ensure Community Policing was at the forefront of policing to avoid becoming reactive.

The Hon. Minister said the current community policing efforts needed to go a bit further rather than just visitation, and set goals that can be shared by both Police and the community that were attainable in terms of community safety.

Minister Tikoduadua reiterated his concerns on police assault cases and reminded the officers that their actions must always be befitting of the uniform they wear.

Day two of the visit ended at the Savusavu Police Station.

#saluspopuli