THE Fiji Police Force is trying to use more horses to patrol rural areas in the country.
Apart from saving on fuel costs, the use of horses will ensure officers are able to reach areas not accessible by road.
Police officers based at community posts in Namosi, Nadarivatu and Navosa, to name a few places, are among those who use horses in their daily work.
Police spokesman Inspector Atunaisa Sokomuri said officers in these areas relied on horses to assist in their daily travels and patrols.
"We are trying to introduce more horses in rural areas like Namosi, Nadarivatu and Navosa to name a few places," he said.
"These areas have rough terrains and most villages are not accessible by road, so horses make travelling easier.
"The use of horses also saves fuel costs and police officers are able to reach their destinations in various parts of the highland."
Insp Sokomuri said police officers in Namosi used horses for community patrols.
"When they go on community patrols for one week, they travel by horse and spend the night at the village they visit," he said.
Meanwhile, the Minister for Defence, National Security and Immigration, Joketani Cokanasiga visited the Namosi community post on Thursday.
He was accompanied by the Commissioner of Police, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, and senior officers.
Insp Sokomuri said the visit was part of their efforts to take the minister through its infrastructure throughout the country.
He said during his visit to the Namosi community post, the minister was briefed on the situation in the area.
He said the minister later visited the Pacific Harbour community post before having discussions with the special administrator of Nasinu Town Council, Mosese Kama.