Funding has been allocated in the 2021-2022 National Budget for 328 new positions in the Fiji Police Force.
This includes the promotion of 158 police officers and recruitment of 82 new police officers, 78 special constables, 7 civilian officers and 3 Government wage earners.
The Fiji Police Force has been allocated $184.3 million in the 2021-2022 budget.
$152.4 million is for operating expenditure and $27.9 million for capital expenditure.
Minister for Economy Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum says the Government will continue to fund the construction of new Police Stations, currently underway in Nakasi, Nadi, Lautoka and Nalawa.
He says $25 million is allocated for the ongoing construction of police stations, which will expand the reach of law enforcement to Fijians living in the central and western divisions.
Sayed-Khaiyum adds an additional $1 million is allocated for renovation, extension and upgrade of existing police posts. He says $1.2 million is provided to undertake special drug operations that arise based on any suspected cases of drug-related activities in all divisions.
Sayed-Khaiyum further says over the course of the past two years, this operation has uncovered over $200 million in various narcotics.
He adds a further $1.5 million is provided for capital purchases to adequately equip the police and police stations to detect criminal activity and lower the response time of officers called to action, including procurement of boats and outboard motor engines, communication and other specialised equipment.
The Republic of Fiji Military Forces is provided a funding of $79.7 million and $36. 5 million is provided to the Fiji Corrections Services. FICAC has a budget of $7.9 million.
