Fiji not in position to arm officers, says Police Commissioner

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says Fiji’s current security environment does not justify arming frontline officers with firearms, as the Force continues to mourn a young constable who died in the line of duty over the weekend.

Constable Peniasi Racagi was on duty at the time of the incident, and police are investigating his death as a case of suspected foul play.

The tragedy has sparked questions about whether officers should be equipped with additional protective technology such as body cameras and tasers.

Responding to those concerns, Commissioner Tudravu acknowledged calls for improved equipment but said such upgrades require significant funding and infrastructure.

“You’re talking about body cams, you’re talking about technology, you’re talking about funding,” he said. “We are trying our best. Discussions have already been made.”

The Commissioner said introducing body cameras involves more than simply purchasing devices, noting that proper systems must be in place to securely store, download and manage recorded footage.

“It’s easy to say, bring in body cams. When you bring in body cams, you have to have the infrastructure in place where to keep it, where we will download everything that is in the body cam,” Commissioner Tudravu said.

He confirmed that preparations and internal discussions were underway, with formal submissions expected as part of resource planning. The Force is hopeful funding will be allocated in the next financial year.

While debate over police equipment continues, Commissioner Tudravu maintained that Fiji’s overall situation does not warrant arming officers with firearms at this stage.