The Fiji Police Force can’t be everywhere and as such we rely on community partnerships to keep our communities safe.

When the term police community partnership is used, there is a perception that this can only be achieved if you are a member of a neighbourhood watch zone or crime prevention committee.

This however is not true and I am grateful to people like Mr Kemueli Vakatalai Tukula a security officer of Muslim League whose brave actions on the 6th of December 2014 resulted in the arrest of a man who had committed a violent robbery.

Mr Tukula heard the cry for help from a man who was on his way to do some shopping at Shalimar Street. The victim was being robbed and upon seeing this Mr Tukula immediately gave chase and apprehended the accused at Jittu Estate before handing him over to Police. The accused is now serving a prison sentence of six years for the offence.

This act of civic pride is a testament of how working together can reduce the incidence of crime in our communities. While I’m not asking everyone to do something similar to what Mr Tukula did, I believe the mere act of putting up a united front will help send a message to criminal elements that you will not be able to strike because we have a solid partnership with Police.

This is not the first time for Mr Tukula to assist Police and during his time as the head of security of a major supermarket chain he has assisted with the arrests of persons involved in similar crimes in 2010 and 2012.

This is why the Duavata Community Policing initiative is crucial towards the reduction and prevention of crime. We need as many eyes and ears on the ground and this will be a major deterrent to would be opportunists who are always looking for a chance to strike.

I want to extend an invitation to everyone to come on board and join the Duavata Community Policing initiative so that we are able to work together and keep your communities safe.

BRIGADIER GENERAL SITIVENI QILIHO

COMMISSIONER OF POLICE