19 Dec 2024

Former Fiji police chief picked to lead force again, to be mentored by ex-NZ police boss

9:18 am on 19 December 2024
Rusiate Tudravu.

Rusiate Tudravu (file photo) Photo: Fiji Police Force

A former Fiji police chief, who had resigned from the top role three years ago after serving for almost four decades, has been handed the job to lead the force again.

Rusiate Tudravu was confirmed as the new police commissioner on Wednesday by the country's Constitutional Offices Commission, which is chaired by Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka.

Rabuka said Tudravu was picked for the job "after a rigorous selection process" and will be deputised by the acting commissioner of police, Juki Fong Chew.

Tudravu held the substantial role of deputy police commissioner and was acting as the leader of the institution in the absence of the now-jailed, Sitiveni Qiliho, who was on a one-year study leave in the United Kingdom.

He resigned abruptly in August 2021 and, at the time, cited personal reasons for his resignation.

Rabuka also revealed that former New Zealand police boss Mike Bush will be embedded in Fiji police headquarters in Suva as Tudravu's mentor.

The new commissioner will begin his duties on 3 February 2025.