People of Vanua Levu can expect efficient services from Police with the opening of a new command centre installed with advanced technology at Labasa Police Station.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho accompanied by the Australian Federal Police, senior liaison officer Suva, Superintendent Adrian Morton opened the centre yesterday. Brigadier-General Qiliho said this was something the Fiji Police Force had envisioned for sometime.

He thanked the Australian Government, the Australian Police Commander and Superintendent Morton for the swift work being done.

“During the first phase of COVID-19 lockdowns we put up cameras for the Labasa Command Centre, but now we have advanced technology,” Brigadier-General Qiliho said.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho accompanied by the Australian Federal Police, senior liaison officer Suva, Superintendent Adrian Morton and stakeholders cut cake to mark the opening of the new command centre at Labasa Police Station on July 21, 2022. Photo: Shratika Naidu

“I would like to thank Divisional Police Commander North and all the Police officers for getting things done even though they were far from our foresight and constant bird’s eye’s view on things.”

The centre would not only assist Police in its work, but can also be utilised to assist other Government departments and stakeholders.

He explained that it was another platform that could be used during natural disasters and assist the Ministry of Health in its special operations.

Now Police can cater for VIP visits to Labasa.

Superintendent Morton said for him it was about friendship with no string attached and more about the vuvale partnership.

Commissioner of Police Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho (right) with the Australian Federal Police, senior liaison officer Suva, Superintendent Adrian Morton inside the new command centre at Labasa Police Station on July 21, 2022. Photo: Shratika Naidu

“I am a Police officer like other men and women in this room and I understand completely the kind of work involved,” he said.

“Whether you do policing in New Zealand or Australia, Suva or Labasa we are protecting the community, catching the bad guys and it’s not easy.”

He said this centre would help try to co-ordinate all leaders, Police and people of the community.

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