Interim Defence Minister Ratu Epeli Ganilau told police officers today that public confidence in the force will only be restored if the Officers put aside their personal differences and start concentrating on their core functions of service to the public.

While speaking at the launch of the National Operation Centre at CPS, Ratu Epeli said he was concerned at the negative public perception of the disciplined forces which has contributed to the erosion of public confidence in the institutions.

He said if the public no longer has faith in the police services, then the very existence is in question and the police force is in danger of becoming irrelevant and the public will then be forced to look for alternative agencies for protection.

Ratu Epeli stressed that the main solution to the problem that they need to get their act together and start working as a united force.

Meanwhile, Ratu Epeli was also told today that the Fiji Police Force is in desperate need of 84 vechicles for their operations as the shortage of vechicles has resulted in the delay in response to crimes committed in various divisions.

Ratu Epeli said he will refer the matter to Cabinet for consideration.