Officers' laxity ruining our image: Police

Fiji's Police Force says its image and achievements are being ruined due to the laxity of some of their officers.

Fiji Police chief operations officer ACP Rusiate Tudravu made the comment when announcing the investigation into the escape of three remanded prisoners from Nadi Police Station has been completed and will be given to Commissioner of Police Ioane Naivalurua tomorrow.

“We are not making any excuses for what happened. On one hand we are trying to build the professional image of the Force, however due to the laxity of some of our very own officers, we are letting our guard down and ruining all that has been achieved," ACP Tuidravu said,

The three remanded prisoners escaped earlier in the week and have been on the run since.

ACP Tudravu said they have investigated how the three managed to escape from the cell block as well as established the number of officers on duty.

“If investigations prove the fault of the officers on duty or even their superiors, it will be the prerogative of the Commissioner on what action he is to take,” he said.

He said the incidents tarnishe the professional image the force is trying to build.

A similar investigation is being done in Suva where a remand prisoner escaped while being escorted to the Legal Aid Office.

A team of 35 officers are helping in the search in the Western Division with another team deployed from Suva for reinforcement.

Check points have been erected as well.

By Indrani Krishna