Statement

Due process will be followed with regards to investigations in to police vehicle accidents.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Operations (ACP) said the Commissioner of Police has directed the conduct of thorough investigations and due processes to be followed, following two police accidents which occurred in Nadi yesterday and in Laqere this morning.

ACP Driu said police vehicle accidents impact service delivery, diminishing public trust in law enforcement when they fail to adhere to the very laws Police are expected to uphold and enforce.

He added that while traffic investigations would run its course, the internal investigations will also look at the element of supervision and whether authorisation was approved for the movement of the vehicle.

ACP Driu said this was in line with the Commissioner Tudravu’s intent of getting the Fiji Police Force’s house in order, and reckless behaviour that points to the abuse of government resources will not be condoned.

“Vehicles are an important asset to our daily operations, and when we have one or two that are grounded due to accidents, it impacts service delivery. While traffic will conduct its line of investigations, Internal Affairs will also be directed to look at whether systems and processes were followed with regards to the deployment of the vehicle.”

ACP Driu says the Fiji Police Force recognises the importance of being honest in the performance of official duties, emphasising that the strict compliance of internal systems and processes are the checks and balances that prevent abuse, which in turn will lead to improved operational efficiency.