Over 700 officers tested positive for COVID-19 this year

Police Commissioner Sitiveni Qiliho says more than 700 police officers tested positive for COVID-19 during the height of the pandemic earlier this year however they rallied together and made personal sacrifices to ensure operations were not affected.

Qiliho highlighted this while receiving $10,000 sponsorship from Vinod Patel for the police soccer team.

Qiliho says there is another side of policing that is not known to many and members of the Force are often criticized for the work they do and always remembered for the bad.

He says officers had to work longer hours and take over stations and units when everyone at the impacted station or unit had to go into mandatory isolation.

The Police Commissioner adds they also had to operate from work bubbles which meant being away from family members.

He says unfortunately police officers were still seen as the enemy despite the many challenges encountered.

Qiliho says despite the criticism, they will continue to do their utmost best to serve and protect.

Vinod Patel’s Chief Operating Officer Neelesh Pal Singh says sponsoring police was an easy decision to show their appreciation for the work conducted during Fiji's battle against the pandemic.

Singh has also acknowledged families of serving police officers for their patience and sacrifices during the pandemic.