Overall crimes in Fiji reduced by 7% last year.
This is according to the Fiji Police Force 2022 Annual Crime Key Performance Overall Crime Indicator and this is largely attributed to the support of all Fijians and law enforcement partners through various Community Policing efforts.
Commissioner of Police Brigadier General Sitiveni Qiliho has acknowledged the support of the general public, Government, stakeholders and law enforcement partners in working with Police through various arms of proactive policing under the Duavata Community Policing initiative in achieving the overall reduction in crime in the 2022 operational year.
He says it is only right to acknowledge the support of all partners and stakeholders for the results achieved in the past year, in the hope of maintaining the same momentum in 2023.
Qiliho says the show of support over the years is also reflected in the annual five-year trend recording a steady decline in crime from 2017 to 2021.
He adds the 2022 policing year has been a busy one, where Police focused on health security and overall national security operations with the hosting of regional and international meetings and the year ending with the conduct of the National General Elections and festive season.
The Commissioner says the proactive policing posture adopted during December has also resulted in the overall reduction of crime by 16%.
Qiliho says the 42% increase in the number of illicit drug cases registered is a reflection of the joint efforts between police and the community in tackling the illegal drug trade.
He says crimes against women and children remain a major concern for policing and based on the trends, the Southern and Northern Divisions recorded an increase in cases.
He further says this is where they will focus their attention going forward, and look at ways to strengthen existing partnerships with stakeholders, civil society and religious groups to address these crimes.
The Commissioner says they cannot fight crime alone and they need everyone’s support.
