14 Sep 2010

Some Fiji police officers 'shipped out' - report

1:04 pm on 14 September 2010

Reports from Fiji say several senior police officers have been removed or redeployed as part of reforms to the service.

A spokesman for the Prime Minister's office Lieutenant Colonel Piko Tikoduadua has told FBC News some have been shipped out and others moved as part of a reshuffle.

Last month, Commodore Esala Teleni resigned as Police Commissioner and all religious actvities within the force were suspended following the appointment of the acting commissioner Joeli Baleilevuka.

Commodore Teleni introduced the 'Jesus Strategy' which involved an emphasis on Christian preaching and 'crusades' as part of a community policing initiative.

There's been criticism that under Commodore Teleni's command, crime statistics had been obscured and experienced officers had left the force.

Two senior police officers have also faced mutiny charges under his command.