Minister for Defence Inia Seruiratu stresses that the government and Police will continue to make assessments on whether a Police Post is needed along Victoria Parade following the recent spike in attacks and robberies however he also says that they will also use technology and smart policing to have the best result.
Seruiratu made this comment in parliament after SODELPA MP Lynda Tabuya asked him if there is any consideration on putting up a post along Victoria Parade.
The Minister for Defence says they will continue to focus on the use of technology, recruitment and smart policing.
SODELPA MP Adi Litia Qionibaravi says these operations should be done all the time.
Seruiratu says the government is doing it’s best with the Police Force and key stakeholders to ensure the protection of lives and properties.
He says some of the strategies include strengthening police visibility in the affected areas. Seruiratu says presence alone makes a lot of difference and hopefully it will bring the necessary effects as well.
He says the Police Special Response Unit has also been mobilised and they are providing additional manpower to the divisional police commanders and station officers.
Seruiratu says they are also thankful for the CCTV cameras installed in Suva and this resulted in the arrests of some members of the groups targeting the members of the public.
The Minister for Defence confirms that they hope to build a relationship with the business community because they need more cameras to assist the Police Force in being effective and efficient.
Seruiratu also says that the normal investigative processes need to be more aggressive and robust as well based on the reliable information that comes in.
SODELPA MP Salote Radrodro then said that she is disappointed with the Minister’s responses bearing in mind women and children are victims in these criminal activities.
Seruiratu says there is also a lack of responsibility of some of the parents. He says a lot of those people who are found on the streets come from families and he raises the question on what are the parents doing about this.
The Minister says we as concerned and responsible citizens have to act together to address these issues.
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