Fiji: Increasing police capacity will be a long-term task, domestic security gap likely to see additional use of the military

Media reporting indicates that the Fiji Police Force (FPF) will seek funding to support recruitment and restructuring. Commissioner Tudravu released figures that show the FPF has decreased in size by 10% since 2022 due to attrition through retirement, resignation, deaths, and disciplinary issues. The FPF numbers approximately 5000.

Assessment: Through the National Security and Defence Report 2024 and various statements, Prime Minister Rabuka has charged the FPF and other Fijian security agencies with tackling transnational organised crime and restoring relations with the public. Commissioner Tudravu has recognised that these tasks require an increase in capability and capacity but cannot currently be achieved with a declining force size. The strategic outcomes will take time to be realised due to the need to recruit, train, and qualify new staff, as well as reorganise existing staff and capabilities. To fill the short-term gap, more reliance on the Republic of Fiji Military Forces to carry out domestic security tasks is likely.

Sources: Shania Shayal Prasad, “521 Police Officers Exit Force in Three Years,” FBC News, May 20, 2025.