The Fiji Police Force is strengthening its Blue Light initiative as part of efforts to tackle rising concerns around youth crime, drugs and bullying in communities.

Director Community Policing, Senior Superintendent of Police Rakesh Chand said the programme has become one of the Fiji Police Force’s flagship community policing initiatives focused on youth empowerment and crime prevention.

Speaking during a community awareness event at the Fiji Museum, Chand said recent Blue Light camps held in Central Division, including in Nakasi, had received strong support from communities and partner organisations.

He said the camps bring together government agencies, faith-based organisations, NGOs and civil society groups to engage directly with children, youths and parents.

“The camps were very successful and it materialised through the collaboration and cooperation and support from various agencies, faith-based organisations, NGOs and CSOs and also our government partners,” Chand said.

The initiative focuses on educating young people and families on the dangers of drugs and substance abuse, while also addressing issues such as bullying, cyber bullying, road safety and parental responsibility.

Chand said one of the key priorities for the Fiji Police Force is preventing children from coming into conflict with the law through early intervention and positive community engagement.

He added that the Blue Light programme reflects the Fiji Police Force’s wider push to strengthen trust with communities by using sports, arts, culture and youth activities as engagement platforms.

The Fiji Police Force says it will continue expanding the initiative as part of its broader community policing transformation aimed at creating safer communities.