We will not be dictated by social media — Police

The Fiji Police Force says it will not be dictated by social media or distracted from joint efforts to dismantle criminal networks.

In a statement, Police said certain individuals continued to make accusations against members of the organisation and other officials, triggering investigations they later failed to support by providing further information.

Police said taxpayers’ money had been wasted on investigations conducted locally and overseas in efforts to verify the claims made.

“The Fiji Police Force is bound by legal processes and procedures and will not be dictated by social media,” the statement said.

Police urged anyone with grievances or complaints against officers to follow the proper channels and lodge official reports.

The organisation said reports received through official channels had resulted in investigations, with files submitted to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for review.

Police officers had also been charged and produced in court, reflecting the organisation’s commitment to holding its members accountable for their actions.

“The conduct of an investigation will enable necessary action to be pursued whether it be criminal or internal,” the statement said.

Police said officers had also been reminded that failure to comply with the code of ethics and internal processes would result in disciplinary action.

“The leakage of internal documents is a serious breach, warranting internal disciplinary action,” the statement said.

Police reiterated that resources would not be redirected to investigations based solely on social media posts, particularly where complainants refused to cooperate or failed to provide evidence to support their claims.

“The joint efforts will not be derailed by keyboard warriors, and remain focused on disrupting, dismantling and destroying criminal networks,” the statement said.