Force not a breeding ground for criminals: Tudravu tells new recruits

Fiji's Police Commissioner has delivered a blunt warning to new recruits, declaring that the Fiji Police Force is "not a breeding ground for criminals" and that disobedience and unethical behaviour will not be tolerated.

The warning came as 52 officers from the Fiji Police Force and Tuvalu Police Service graduated yesterday with a Certificate in Policing Level 4, a nationally accredited qualification under the Fiji National Qualifications Framework.

The graduates are members of Basic Recruits Course Training Batch 69, who completed a revamped four-month training programme focused on ethical, accountable and professional policing with their passing out parade schedueled for tomorrow.

Speaking at the certificate presentation ceremony, Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu said officers were entering the profession at a time when public confidence in policing was under intense scrutiny.

“The Fiji and Tuvalu Police Forces are not breeding grounds for criminals, nor will disobedience be entertained."

“We are going through difficult times where we are constantly under scrutiny because of the failure of some of our comrades to uphold the ethics and laws that govern our work.”

Commissioner Tudravu said recruits would be held to the same standards as experienced officers from the first day they put on the uniform.

“Maturity in policing is mandatory. There is no free pass for being a newly passed out recruit."

“The excuse that you are young and new to policing, is not an excuse, just as ignorance of the law cannot be used as defence in a court of law.”

He urged the officers to remain true to the principles taught during training and to carry out their duties within the law.

“Do not stray from what you have learned – Policing is not a profession that you make your own rules."

“Always work within the law and you will have a long prosperous career. Go forth and serve with honour and integrity.”

The four-month training programme was revamped with support from the New Zealand Police under the Fiji Police Partnership Programme and included enhanced investigative training aimed at strengthening officers' investigative capabilities.

Civil society organisations also contributed to the programme, providing training on human rights, gender-based violence and victim-centred policing to ensure alignment with national priorities, community expectations and international policing standards.

The recruits will officially pass out during a graduation parade at the Fiji Police Academy grounds in Nasova on June 19, marking the completion of their basic recruit training.