Plan in place to ensure that officers are well equipped and protected while on duty - Seruiratu

Minister for National Security and Defence Inia Seruiratu says they have identified areas to complement the plan the Fiji Police Force has to ensure that officers are well equipped and protected.

He made this comment after we asked him what his Ministry will do to ensure our police officers are safe while performing their duty.

A number of cases have emerged in the last few years where police officers have been attacked while on duty.

In one case, eight men allegedly attacked police officers near the Mead Road Housing Complex in Nabua mid last year where these men are alleged to have struck the police car with iron rods and cane knives while others stoned the vehicle with the officers still inside and unable to get out.

Seruiratu says there is a planned implementation program in terms of modernising the Fiji Police Force where equipment will be brought in while some are already with the Force.

Seruiratu visited the Police Headquarters at four miles yesterday and had a briefing with senior officers.

He then visited the Police Special Response Unit at eight miles and witnessed a fully-fledged operation by officers of the Police Special Response Unit.

This demonstration involved a number of officers who showed the Minister how and what they will do during a riot.