Communities across the Northern Division are being encouraged to play a stronger role in preventing crime and addressing social issues affecting families and young people.

The call was made during the Northern Division Crime Prevention Committee (CPC) meeting held on Wednesday, 7 October 2026, as police and community representatives discussed ways to strengthen their partnership.

Divisional Manager Community Policing, Superintendent of Police (SP) Lepani Liga, acknowledged the commitment of CPC members, saying their time, knowledge and leadership were important in building stronger connections between police and the communities they serve.

SP Liga said the Northern Division was facing a range of challenges, including drug and substance abuse, rising HIV cases, teenage pregnancies, school dropouts, theft, domestic violence and youth-related offences.

He stressed that these concerns extend beyond the responsibilities of police and require communities to work together to find lasting solutions.

SP Liga highlighted the need for families, schools, religious organisations, government agencies, non-government organisations, traditional leaders and community groups to take part in addressing the issues.

He said the Fiji Police Force could not tackle these challenges alone, with effective crime prevention depending on cooperation and collective community action.

The Fiji Police Force also acknowledged the continued contribution of CPC members who work alongside law enforcement to strengthen police-community engagement and support safer and healthier communities.