The Fiji Police Force received a significant operational boost today as the Australian Federal Police (AFP) officially handed over new equipment to support the ongoing FPF Uplift reform initiative.

The handover ceremony took place at the Fiji Police Academy in Nasova and was led by AFP Assistant Commissioner for the Pacific, Nigel Ryan.

Fiji’s Police Commissioner, Rusiate Tudravu, accepted the equipment on behalf of the force, in the presence of key dignitaries including Australian Assistant Minister for Pacific Islands Affairs, Senator the Honorable Nita Green, Australian High Commissioner to Fiji, H.E. Peter Roberts OAM, and Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Policing, Mr. Berenado Daveta.

Assistant Commissioner Ryan reaffirmed the enduring collaboration between the AFP and the Fiji Police, especially in combating transnational crime through joint efforts, intelligence sharing, and capacity building.

He highlighted the importance of the newly signed Solesolevaki Partnership and Police Cooperation Memorandum of Understanding, describing them as milestones in expanding cooperation across the region.

He also praised Fiji’s leadership in regional policing, referencing the recent visit of the Fijian Prime Minister and Minister for Policing to the AFP’s Pinkenba Hub in Australia, and Fiji’s integral role in shaping the Pacific Policing Initiative.

The AFP also recognised the participation of Fiji Police in the Pacific Police Support Group (PPSG), especially their recent deployment to Palau during the Pacific Mini Games, following successful operations in Samoa and Vanuatu last year.

Commissioner Tudravu expressed deep appreciation for the support, noting that while Pacific police forces are driven and committed, limited resources have long posed challenges.

“The equipment delivered today is more than just tools it’s a vote of confidence in our mission to rebuild trust and provide responsive, modern policing services,” Tudravu said.

He also commended the AFP for the swift turnaround from discussions to delivery, thanking ACP Ryan and the Fiji-based AFP team, led by Detective Superintendent Grant.

The package included vehicles, specialized gear for the Transnational Crime Unit, traffic enforcement tools, and equipment for officer deployments.