THE Fiji Police Force launched two of its all female officers community posts yesterday to mark International Women's Day.
Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said the launch at the Grantham and Vatuwaqa community posts was part of the force's effort to position women strategically in the force particularly in the frontline.
Insp Sokomuri said at the community post level, activities that were largely attended to by police officers include beat patrols, dealing with minor offences, delinquent behaviour, attending to domestic disputes and problem solving with the community on social issues that may escalate to crime.
"These are tasks that can be handled better by female officers in the frontline," he said.
"The natural ability of women as negotiators, good communicators, problem solvers, organisers, relationship builders and caring augurs well with the role of community policing officers.
"These natural abilities coupled with basic police training makes women officers more effective in the role."
Insp Sokomuri said in the recent police force excellence awards, Muainaweni Community Post, headed by a woman officer was awarded the best community post.
"This was due to its impressive general outlook, the positive community perception on how officers at the post relate well with the community, the organisation of the post itself and the community programs and initiatives that promotes a sense of safety in the area," he said.
He said while the initiative was acknowledged, women officers were not restricted from pursuing other areas of interest in the Fiji Police Force.
"The aim of the launch is to de-institutionalise organisation culture that only male officers are effective at the front line, prepare female officers for United Nations overseas operational deployment, part of organisation transformation," he said.