Police unit without toilets, report reveals

Police officers at Fiji’s largest dog unit are working without basic facilities like toilets and bathrooms despite serving over 340,000 people. This was revealed in the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence review of the Fiji Police Force 2020-2021 Annual Report tabled in Parliament this month.

The committee found that the Vitogo Dog Unit, established in 1961, covers the Western Division’s massive population, but lacks essential amenities for its officers.

“The Vitogo Dog Unit faces a lack of basic facilities, such as toilets and bathrooms,” the report stated. The unit operates with two high-performing K9 dogs - Simba and Princess - working in 12- hour rotations to serve 30 police posts and hundreds of schools.

Officers also face significant operational challenges including limited fuel allowances, only one vehicle, and reliance on imported dogs because of local breeding constraints. Infrastructure problems.

The report highlighted widespread infrastructure problems across police stations nationwide, with officers in some locations contributing personally to maintain facilities. At Nadi Police Station, severe defects include overflowing sewer lines affecting lifts, flooding in cells during rain, and non-functional air conditioning units.

In Tavua, officers personally contribute to maintain a heritage building that still lacks functioning air-conditioning. The committee noted that in Nalawa, the police station lacks a functional office, with barracks not maintained since Tropical Cyclone Kina.

Transport challenges Officers at multiple stations reported paying for transport out-of-pocket, with Nalawa officers spending $10 daily for round-trip travel from Rakiraki without official transport allowances.

The committee made 16 recommendations including prioritising critical infrastructure upgrades across key police stations with focus on proper sanitation, air conditioning and suitable working conditions. Committee chairperson Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Lenora Qereqeretabua led the comprehensive review involving site visits across multiple police facilities.

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