The Fiji Police Force has begun a drive to intervene, prevent and protect children from crime.
More than 100 students of close to 15 schools from Taveuni with parents and teachers were given advice at the Fiji Police Academy, Nasova on Tuesday before they headed down to the Milo Kaji games in the Western Division.
The head of the Sexual Offences Unit Inspector Linieta Navonu demonstrated to students ‘bad touches’ and ‘good touches’ they should be mindful of and other important preventative information to protect them from sexual exploitation.
“You must not accept goodies from strangers and don’t keep secrets from your parents or teachers,” Inspector Navonu said.
Then constable Mosese Ligani from the Drugs Unit advised the budding Taveuni ruggers and netters not to accept biscuits or lollies from strangers because it could contain drugs.
“Remember that Hasish biscuits and Hasish lollies are circulating and children you must not accept them if someone offers them because their intentions are evil,” Mr Ligani said.
“You must strive for a life of excellence, focus on your games and enjoy yourselves.
“Remember the decision you make affects your future,” he said.
Children and parents were also advised on traffic rules of crossing before the Police band sent them off to the West and the Milo Kaji games with a grand comical display.
“We were surprised when we were greeted as such by the police and their new approach will definitely be supported by communities in Fiji,” a teacher accompanying the trip said.
The intervention approach arises from a directive by Police Commissioner Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua for police to be more proactive in dealing with crime.
“That means we will have to greet passengers or students at places like Natovi, Walu Bay and talk to them about such issues so that they do not get caught up in anything criminal and are able to protect themselves and not become victims,” Commissioner Naivalurua said.
“Before kids come in from the Northern Division, the Divisional Police Commander northern and his team must know exactly how many are coming and inform the DPC Eastern,” he said.
“The DPC Eastern and his team must then greet them at Natovi if they are coming in by ferry and give valuable advice before they leave for Suva and so forth or between Suva and the West.
“It’s this cohesiveness approach between the Divisional Police commanders that will not only improve operations but also instill in members of the public and children an understanding of crime issues.
“In this way we are able to intervene before a crime is committed.”
Just this weekend, about 1000 passengers arrived on Viti Levu from Vanua Levu.
Arrivals from the Northern Division and maritime island to Viti Levu will increase even further as people attend religious gatherings, sporting, social events and spend holidays.