Tudravu admits equipment shortages, pushes for budget support

Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has described the death of Police Constable Peni Racagi as “unfortunate,” saying it reflects the reality of serving in the Fiji Police Force.

“It’s a very unfortunate case. None of us as leaders would like to see this happen again, but as I said, we cannot predict things. This is the life of a Police officer,” Mr Tudravu said.

During a media briefing yesterday, the Commissioner admitted that Police officers are not fully equipped to protect themselves due to budget constraints, an issue he is determined to address in the upcoming National Budget.

The 24‑year‑old officer had been on duty alone at the Lami Police Station last Saturday. His beat partner was on a day off and returned to work on Sunday night.

Mr Racagi was last seen checking in at 7pm, before his body was found floating near Wesley Church in Lami at around 6am on Sunday.

He is the second Police officer to die while on duty, with the first death occurring in Lautoka three years ago. Both officers were unequipped.

“It’s a matter of life and death when you wear that uniform. What I’m doing, and what the leadership at headquarters is doing, is ensuring we provide the necessary equipment to assist officers while they carry out their routine roles,” Mr Tudravu said.

The Commissioner added that the Force has sufficient manpower, but the challenge lies in the deployment of personnel across shifts.

He has raised concerns with the Divisional Police Commander and the station officer regarding staffing and deployment.