In line with tackling NCD as part of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police Annual Conference mandates the Commissioner of Police and Prisons attended in Fiji last month, the Ministry kicked off its “Fit Blue Tournament”.
These are efforts to ensure members of the force stay physically active and fit.
The Executive Management and staff members are taking part in the Fit Blue Tournament initiated by the Training Unit,” says a statement issued by Police.
The Fit Blue Tournament consists of 10 teams from Pool A & Pool B, which will see them go head to head in touch rugby matches. The teams are made up of all sections/units within the Ministry.
At the Conference Defence, National Security and Policing Minister said the deadliest crisis in the Pacific region isn’t criminal activities such as drug and human trafficking but non-communicable diseases (NCDs) which also pose a threat to a police force’s ability to carry out its roles.
According to Fijitimes, NCDs have crept into the ranks of police forces across the region.
“The theme of this conference ‘Workforce Wellbeing and Resilience’ asks you to look inwards to be able to build law enforcement agencies that are outfitted in every way to serve their vital role in society,” he said.
“Workplace wellbeing speaks to both physical and mental health of our police women and men.
“The truth is that the deadliest crisis in our region isn’t drugs, violence, or even climate change. It is a non-communicable disease.
“Heart disease, depression, cancers and other NCDs are quiet killers whose harm far outpaces other diseases – even COVID-19.
“These insidious diseases have crept into the ranks of police forces across the Pacific and officers are paying the price.”
