POLICE operations director Senior Superintendent Police Rusiate Tudravu says the issue raised by the Fiji Women's Crisis Centre regarding the force's reduction in reported crimes against women in the first quarter of 2012 should be addressed.
In a statement, SSP Tudravu said the 52 per cent reduction figure they recorded was based on reported cases received at their stations and community posts nationwide.
"We are not disputing their (FWCC) figures, but what has to be remembered is that the figures belong to the FWCC, and we are basing our reduction on our figures," SSP Tudravu said.
"However, on this note, this should not be the point of content, as the real issue is to address the issue.
"We invite the FWCC to come with their figures and work with us so that we can curb crimes against women.
"The Fiji Police Force can only deal with cases reported to us"
On the matter of women not feeling comfortable complaining to the police and instead opting to seek counsel and help from other organisations, SSP Tudravu said police officers were trained to deal with such issues which could and were often sensitive in nature.
SSP Tudravu said complainants also had the right to talk to a female officer if they felt uncomfortable dealing with male officers.
"If there is none present, then arrangements can be made for a female officer to be present," he said.
"It is imperative that we work together on issues such as this instead of trying to find fault with each other."