Ratu Inoke Reveals Proposal For National Crimes Board
Minister for National Security and Defence Ratu Inoke Kubuabola has revealed that a National Crimes Board will be formed.
Ratu Inoke said: “The Crimes Board Framework concept is where a wide range of issues are taken into consideration that also involves a wider section of the community, civil societies, NGOs right up to nation level with the Ministry of Defence,” he said.
He told a crimes symposium in Nadi on Friday: “The National Crimes Board will act in an advisory role to the Minister of Defence and National Security who then presents your efforts to Government.
“The concept is proactive in nature and promotes partnerships, information sharing, education, communication, awareness and advocacy.”
Ratu Inoke stressed the importance of community Policing.
He said “The Police are the people and the people are the Police.”
This quote is from Sir Robert Peel, the founder of community policing.
“When Sir Robert Peel developed the concept of community policing he realised that to change behavior, it was easier done with people influencing each other,” Ratu Inoke said.
He applauded the members of crime prevention committees from districts in the Western Division who shared a vision for a secure and safe Fiji.
“Safe homes for our families, secure properties, investments and assets, and a haven where our people can live in peace, without harm,” he added.
“Crime and the fear of crime, have significant personal, social and economic impacts, on our communities. Therefore, efforts to fight crime and prevent crime should be inculcated in our daily lives.”
Ratu Inoke said that it was everyone’s responsibility to keep our communities crime free.
“While the role of Government is very important, we recognise the engagement of the whole country as essential for effective crime prevention efforts.”
He encouraged faith-based organisations and individual families to play an active role in educating and counselling family members which would definitely help in reducing the crime rates.
About 200 people attended the symposium.
