7 police officers have passed away and 6 of the deaths were from non-communicable diseases this year.
This was highlighted by the Acting Commissioner of Police Rusiate Tudravu who was speaking at the opening of the Pacific Physical Training Instructors Course at the Fiji Police Academy in Nasova today.
Tudravu says there is a need to improve the fitness level of the officers.
Tudravu says that there is a need to have a disciplined and a healthier workforce.
He says they also have health audits currently underway in the Academy.
New Zealand High Commissioner to Fiji Jonathan Curr says the course is designed to help build fitter and healthier Pacific forces.
He told the participants that beyond their police and military duties they will become role models in their communities and get a chance to engage with fellow course mates from the Pacific.
There are 22 participants from Fiji, Cook Islands, Niue, Samoa, Tonga, PNG, Australia and New Zealand in the 4 week course.