Police urged to ‘step up a notch’ during festive season

Police officers have been urged to “step up a notch” as the country enters the festive season.

Minister for Policing and Communication Ioane Naivalurua made the call during the Fiji Police Force Thanksgiving Church Service at Centenary Church yesterday.

Addressing officers, Mr Naivalurua said the period required vigilance and discipline, reminding them to stay focused on their core duties.

“I want to urge you all to keep the main thing, the main thing. No matter what we do, we must not lose focus on the task at hand,” he said.

He said officers needed to be mission-focused and results-oriented, adding that while families and communities prepare to celebrate, Police must be ready on the front line.

“Our communities and families should be enjoying this festive season. You and I should be stepping up a notch at the front line. We remain ready, we stay vigilant, and we may not sleep at the front line,” he said.

Mr Naivalurua described the current period as 'testing times' and urged officers not to step back from their responsibilities.

He also called for respect and protection of women and girls, saying the organisation must confront such issues directly.

“We are here to honour our women and girls… Let’s take these issues head-on. We are tough as an organisation,” he said.

The minister closed by wishing officers and their families a safe Christmas and a prosperous New Year.