The physical and mental well-being of police officers must be prioritised, as the force recorded 38 deaths over the past year and many officers delayed seeking medical or psychological help.
This statement was made by the Fiji Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu during the Police Remembrance Day ceremony, where the Fiji Police Force honoured the lives of 88 police officers who have died, as well as two canine colleagues who died while in service.
Fallen comrades from regional and international law enforcement communities were also remembered, along with retired police officers who passed away during the past year.
Tudravu says this year's Remembrance Day was deliberately made a close and intimate ceremony to allow officers to reflect on the meaning and purpose of law enforcement.
He says the words “We will remember them” carry a special meaning for the families of fallen officers, who remember the laughter, special occasions and the future they had hoped to share with their loved ones.
For police officers, he says those memories include serving alongside fallen colleagues as members of the same batch, unit, station or division.
Tudravu says the death of a young constable during the past year is a tragic reminder of the dangers police officers face while protecting the public and keeping communities safe.
He says the investigation into the constable Peniasi Racagi's death is pending legal review by the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.
Tudravu says a worrying similarity among many of the fallen officers is that most were aged between 30 and over 50 years, with many deaths linked to non-communicable diseases.
He says some officers prioritised their commitment to their work over seeking early medical intervention.
Tudravu says this is a police culture that needs to change, as some officers fear being labelled weak or unfit for duty if they seek medical or psychological assistance.
He says despite increased investment in welfare and psychology units and regular mandatory health audits, some officers remain reluctant to seek medical assistance until it is too late.
Tudravu is urging serving officers to think about their families and ensure they are prepared and provided for should they die in service.
He says officers should ask themselves whether they have adequately prepared their families for life in their absence.
Tudravu says change is needed to prevent the early deaths of police officers, and both physical and mental well-being must be prioritised.
He says police officers are now exposed to trauma in both physical and virtual forms, including public criticism and social media campaigns targeting officers and their institutions.
Tudravu says while the blue uniform represents strength and reliability, officers remain human and vulnerable to the demands of their profession.
He says protecting the health and well-being of officers is just as important as protecting life and property.
Tudravu says the loss of every police officer reminds the force of the fragility of life, particularly when families and young children are left behind.
He says early prevention and detection of health problems could have made a difference in some cases.
Tudravu also paid tribute to the families of fallen officers for the sacrifices they made while their loved ones served as guardians of peace and security.
Tudravu continue that in our endeavour to protect and serve, let us not forget our own.
