Officers Sent Home For Laxity, Fiji Police Commissioner Tells Recruits
Brigadier-General Qiliho reminded new recruits of the commitment, passion and sacrifice that entails the life of a Police officer.
Wednesday 24 July 2019 | 10:00
Part of the Basic Recruits Course Batch on July 23, 2019. Photo: Police Media Cell
Police officers have been sent home for laxity on the job says Police Commissioner Brigadier-General Sitiveni Qiliho.
“I have sent a few officers home who have been found sleeping on duty,” he said.
He was speaking during the opening of the Basic Recruits Course Batch for the 206 personnel at Nasova Police Academy in Suva yesterday.
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“If officers do not show commitment to the ethos and values of the Police force and the directives that have been given, there are thousands of other young people waiting to join the force and offer those services.”
He said thousands of people turn up during the Police recruitment drives and if officers do not have the passion to serve the people of Fiji, then they have no place in the Police force.
He said a female officer was sent home after a picture of her sleeping on duty at the Nadi International Airport was circulated on social media last year.
“Those who were involved in the case of allowing prisoners to be with their girlfriends in the ablution blocks, they go home,” the Commissioner said.
“I have no place for them.
“We have to be strong and do our work right because there is no other way to do it. That is the only way.”
206 new recruits start training
Brigadier-General Qiliho reminded new recruits of the commitment, passion and sacrifice that entails the life of a Police officer.
He emphasised self-discipline and unwavering commitment, while addressing new recruits.
The 206 new recruits include 146 male and 60 female recruits and they will undergo intensive training for four months during which they will learn the basics of policing and all that is required for them is effectively conduct their duties.
“I need Police officers who know that they are here to serve and that their life as a Police officer has a purpose,” he said.
“We are not confined to the four walls of an office and therefore it is important for you to mentally prepare yourself to the fact that policing will require you to make a lot of personal sacrifices.
“There are many who will be resentful of law enforcement and that is where you have to hold your head up high, and forge on, knowing that you have a purpose.”
Edited by Susana Tuilau
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