Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has acknowledged delays in some police investigations, saying he takes full responsibility and is pushing investigators to speed up their work.

Speaking to the media after today’s Police Remembrance Day event, Tudravu said several investigations remain pending and require additional technical support before cases can proceed through the courts.

He highlighted the investigation into the death of a young boy in Wailoku, where police are still waiting for DNA results from New Zealand to confirm the identity of a suspect.

Tudravu said police have been following up with their New Zealand counterparts because of the urgency of the matter.

He said he understands public frustration over the delays.

“I take responsibility of all the investigation process that are currently undertaken, which is not up to the standard of the general public,” Tudravu said.

The Commissioner said he has directed investigators to fast-track their work, but stressed that police cannot always complete investigations without technical assistance.

He said forensic and other technical evidence is needed to support cases when they reach court.

On another high-profile investigation, Tudravu said findings have already been forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal opinion.

He said further action will be taken once that advice is received.

Tudravu also acknowledged concerns raised by families and members of the public over the pace of police investigations, saying police are guided by established processes and systems.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner thanked members of the public for providing police with videos of thefts and burglaries circulating online.

He said the footage has assisted police in identifying and arresting suspects, many of whom have been taken before the courts.

Tudravu said police are concerned about a cycle where some offenders are arrested, released on bail or complete their sentences, and later reoffend.

He said addressing the issue requires the involvement of other stakeholders and cannot be left to police alone.