SUVA CITY COUNCIL AND FIJI POLICE FORCE STRENGTHEN COOPERATION THROUGH MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING SIGNING

The Suva City Council and the Fiji Police Force have formally entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at enhancing cooperation and coordination in key areas of enforcement and public safety within Suva City. 

The signing which took place today at the SCC office in Suva, comes at a critical time as the city approaches the end of the first quarter of the year. Recent statistics released by the FPF indicate a significant rise in crime, with data from April last year revealing a 73% surge in the overall crime rate across Fiji. Additionally, serious crimes rose by 65% compared to the same period in 2023. In November 2024 alone, the overall crime rate increased by 19%compared to November 2023. 

Through this MOU, the SCC and FPF are committed to working together to curb crime rates and enhance public safety measures with a primary focus on Suva. The agreement establishes a framework for cooperation, outlining the roles and responsibilities of both parties in exchanging vital information, providing training and technical assistance, and sharing resources to improve monitoring and enforcement within Suva City. A key aspect of the partnership includes the upgrading and renovation of Community Posts, ensuring better accessibility and service delivery to the public. 

Suva City Council’s Acting CEO Mr. Tevita Boseiwaqa emphasized the importance of this partnership: 

“This Memorandum of Understanding underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering a safe and secure environment for the people of Suva. By working hand in hand with the Fiji Police Force, we aim to strengthen our enforcement efforts, improve city-wide security, and enhance public confidence in our institutions. Through this partnership, both organizations seek to build a safer, more secure city environment while reinforcing public trust in the Council’s enforcement capabilities.”

Commissioner of Police Mr. Rusiate Tudravu echoed the same sentiments: “Strengthening our cooperation with the Suva City Council is a pivotal step in our ongoing efforts to combat crime and enhance public safety. This partnership will enable us to leverage resources more effectively, facilitate greater community engagement and bolster law enforcement strategies. Our collective goal is to uphold peace, security and compliance within Suva City, ensuring that residents, businesses and visitors/tourists feel safe at all times.”

This agreement ensures that both the SCC and FPF engage in regular consultations and collaborative efforts to implement enforcement strategies in alignment with the laws of Fiji.