Commissioner reveals to Force on salary increase next month

Police Commissioner Major General Ben Gronewald has revealed to members of the Fiji Police Force that there will be a salary increase for them from the 1st of next month.

While speaking at his first ever quarterly parade, Gronewald said that in going forward there will be a review of Special Constabulary remuneration packages as well as the introduction of lateral courses in order for them to be qualified as permanent members.

Gronewald said that only those who meet the minimum qualification requirements will be selected for this.

The Commissioner also announced the revival of the Police Training Advisory Committee, the Appointment of a Promotion Board and the advertisement of all acting posts to be permanently filled, the revival of police associations as in the Police Act, the discussions with political heads on the implementations and review of allowances and the review of the Police Act and disciplinary regulations.

Apart from the good news, Gronewald said that officers still need to put in the hard yards on the reduction of serious offences and crime against women.

Gronewald was concerned with the serious offences and crime against women and children.

According to the statistics, he revealed that out of their eight Key Performance Indicators, the Fiji Police Force managed to achieve only five.

The ones that were not achieved include complaints and disciplinary offences by officers at 50%.

He added that from the 10% crime against women, only 6% reduction was recorded from the last quarter.

Gronewald also told his officers about issues of personal responsibilities in looking after their telephone and electricity bills along with motor vehicle repairs.

Furthermore, the Commissioner has commended the hard work from each division around the country.

The Commissioner has reminded his officers that this quarter will be a challenging one, not only for the nation but also for the Fiji Police Force.

He said that they will be required to perform in a nationwide exercise being the general election and it will also reflect on how well they have been preparing with the resources provided to them by Government.