'People come first': Naivalurua challenges new Police recruits

A total of 149 new police officers, including 10 recruits from Tuvalu, officially passed out today after completing the Fiji Police Force Basic Recruit Course Batch 68, following 16 weeks of intensive training.

The passing-out parade marked a proud milestone not only for the recruits, but also for their families, who were recognised for their unwavering support throughout the demanding training period. It was held at Fiji Police Academy at Nasova in Suva.

Minister for Policing and Communications, Ioane Naivalurua, was the chief guest and delivered a powerful address centered on service, humility and accountability, reminding the new officers that policing is first and foremost about the people.

“Today is not a destination,” Mr Naivalurua said. “It is the beginning of a journey defined by professionalism, discipline, accountability and service.”

A former Police Commissioner himself, Mr Naivalurua said the oath taken by the recruits was sacred, calling policing a vocation that demands courage, integrity and a strong sense of purpose.

He reminded the recruits that when they wear the police uniform, they represent not only the institution, but the people of Fiji and the values of the nation.

Mr Naivalurua highlighted humility as a cornerstone of effective policing, urging officers to look beyond personal gain and place the safety, dignity and rights of citizens above self-interest.

The Minister also acknowledged the vital role of families, describing policing as “never an individual journey”.

“When things are not right at home, it becomes much harder to perform on the front line,” he said, urging officers to look after their families as a foundation for resilience and focus on work.

Mr Naivalurua noted that modern policing is becoming more complex, with challenges such as organised crime, drugs, human trafficking and violence against women and children, requiring what he described as “total policing”.

He encouraged the recruits to remain committed to reform within the Fiji Police Force and to continually ask themselves whether their actions deserved the trust of the people they serve.

Three recruits were recognised for outstanding performance.

• Luiseini Cagica, 21, received the Most Progressive Award.
• Steven Bolaitamana Matele, 25, was awarded the Baton of Honour.
• Emosi Diani Caweua took out the Commissioner’s Book Prize and was named Dux of the course.

Mr Naivalurua congratulated the officers and called on the nation to keep its police officers in prayer as they begin their service to Fiji.