Police needs RFMF’s assistance during armed situations - Tudravu

Police Chief of Operations ACP Rusiate Tudravu says the Police will always need the assistance of the military during armed and violent situations.

ACP Tudravu has confirmed that talks have been held between Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho and Army Commander Viliame Naupoto.

Qiliho had earlier confirmed that he will make a presentation to government soon on how to deal with violent and armed situations.

Qiliho has looked at some options.

He says an issue with the Fiji Police Force is that they are an unarmed institution so in the event his officers are confronted with those who are armed with dangerous weapons they only rely on the non-lethal forms of gadgets like pepper sprays and batons to protect themselves.

Qiliho has said in a statement that they have been having discussions with the military on the issue of the specialised armed unit and legislation will need to be drawn up in as far as rules of engagement are concerned.

He says having a specialist armed military unit to help combat serious crimes would assist Police during such instances.

Technology is another area he is looking at to assist the work of the Police and discussions have been held with the Chinese Government along the lines of the acquisition of drones for the Police Force.