The Commissioner of Police Commodore Esala Teleni shares a thought with the Commissioner of Prisons & Correction Service Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua at the recruits pass out which was held earlier this year at the Naboro Corrections Academy

The Fiji Police Force and the Fiji Prisons and Corrections Service signed a memorandum of understanding on Wednesday to foster mutual understanding in areas of common interest.

Head of the Ministry of National Security Ratu Epeli Ganilau said this was a milestone achievement.

"My prime concern is to put in place proactive measures in ensuring safety and security of our citizens and moreover formulate policies and strategies to promote stability and peace in our society," he said.

"The Prisons and Corrections Service is obligated to work closely with the various stakeholders such as the police to ensure better implementation of programs and initiatives embarked by the authority.

"A slogan of the Public Employees Union which still reverberates today is united we stand, divided we fall. It truly encapsulates that unity is a solution to good working relations and strengthening mutual cooperation between the parties."

Ratu Epeli said the concept of institutionalising initiatives and intents has brought sectoral divisions and turf protection against agencies.

He said this is a barricade to achieving institutional objectives.

"Such initiative maximises cooperation and categorically sets out the right rhythm for the way forward in achieving corporate outcomes through optimum sharing of resources, skills, knowledge and information," he said.

"In fostering this partnership, we have become increasingly aware of the roles that we play.

"Both agencies have corporate obligations to government and the public at large by providing a better service delivery to the community for the maintenance of law and order."

Ratu Epeli said this translates to a reduction in the overall criminate offence rate, reducing the impact of crime, reducing the prison population and aggressively embarking on initiatives to enhance programs of rehabilitation and re-integration of offenders into society.





[Source: Fiji Times]