Nath questions rising crime and calls for better support for police officers

As the Fiji Police Force has been given increased funding in the 2025-2026 National Budget, Opposition MP Vijay Nath asks whether we need more uniforms, or if we need to properly support the ones wearing them.

While speaking during the budget debate in Parliament, Nath said the Fiji Police Force will recruit 1,000 new officers, bringing the total force to 6,550.

He says this is 730 officers for 100,000 people - more than double the global average 300 and it sounds impressive but asks if we already have double the global average, why is crime still rising.

Nath says in January and February 2025, criminal cases jumped by 20 percent.

The MP has also questioned the government on the lack of a permanent police post and adequate resourcing in Koronivia, highlighting gaps in visibility and mobility.

He asks where will the newly recruited officers go, what tools will they get and what training will they receive.

Nath says money allocated for salary progression is welcomed as officers deserve fair pay but he says money alone does not fix the broken system.

He says you cannot build a relationship with communities if your officers are stretched thin, underpaid and unsupported.

Nath says we need to invest in building integrity and leadership, not just rank and resources for community patrols, not just central command; technology and data systems that help officers respond faster and smarter, mental health support, because officers face trauma too.

He adds before we double the size of the force, we should double the support of the officers we already have and build a culture of principles, accountability and respect.

While giving his response to the budget, Minister for Policing Ioane Naivalarua also responded to Nath where he has noted the comments that he has raised regarding the policing, but says his simple question to Nath is where was he and what did they do when they were in a position to change some of the things that he has raised.

He says maybe he should direct his question to the Leader of the Opposition Inia Seruiratu, when he was the Minister responsible for Policing.