Statement

The Fiji Police Force would like to clarify issues pertaining to the conduct of police officers seen in a video circulating on social media whilst trying to escort a juvenile to the Totogo Police Station.

The child was found begging in town and was warned to leave, when he swore at the officers.

When the officers walked towards him informing him that he would be taken to the Police Station where Social Welfare and the child’s parents would be contacted, he started screaming, refusing to cooperate with the officers.

The officers did not assault the child, but were trying to escort him back to the Station where his parents or guardians could be contacted regarding his whereabouts.

We have internal disciplinary mechanisms to deal with officers, if reports are received of the abuse of authority.

The Police officers were merely conducting their duties in clearing Suva of anyone found loitering in the hours of darkness.