The effectiveness of the 3200 police officers deployed across the country depends on the leadership at divisional police commander (DPC) level.
This according to academic Dr Eci Nabalarua.
She said of the 4000 officers employed by the Fiji Police Force, about 80 per cent were based in the divisions.
Speaking at the Community Policing Symposium in Savusavu on Thursday, Dr Nabalarua said such a high number at divisional level meant there should be vibrant and robust teams serving the communities.
However, she said, it would depend on good leadership at the DPC level.
“DPCs, you need to ensure that your team is upskilled and ready to move out to implement community policing strategies and models,” she said.
“This also means that police and community reps need to monitor and evaluate and see whether we have implemented projects and initiatives discussed at community policing meetings and workshops.
“If you can’t implement these initiatives and apply it then it defeats the purpose of what we want to do at community level.”
She said the Fiji Police Force was an institute of the State and it was important for them to know the difference.
“You also need to set an example of holding good character and that also applies to all of you who are part of the community policing committees.”
