police officers

It's part of an intensive recruitment drive implemented since 2019, to combat an increasing illicit drug trade in the Kingdom.

Over 100 police were recruited between 2019 and 2021 alone.

Police Commissioner Shane McLennan said the Kingdom has experienced one of its lowest crime rates, but anticipates an increase as the country emerges from Covid lockdown and border closures.

The officers were responding to reports of a missing person in Wieambilla - 270km (168 miles) west of Brisbane.

The offenders are still at large, the police said at a news conference. Residents are being told to remain indoors "until further notice".

Katarina Carroll, Queensland Police Commissioner, said four police officers attended the property.

One received a "bullet graze", while another escaped the property. Both are receiving treatment in hospital, she said.

Two on-duty police officers were suspended Wednesday for drinking alcohol while patrolling in a police vehicle on Sunday 19 January 2020, where they also picked up two off-duty police officers to continue drinking while on patrol.

Commissioner Caldwell said, “The public rightly expect the highest levels of professionalism and ethical behaviour from their police officers. There is absolutely no tolerance for unlawful and ill-disciplined behavior. Every police officer is accountable to the law, not above it.”

The men were among eight officers on trial for the rape and sexual assault of Mr Soko and Senjeli Boila in August 2014.

Fiji Village reports three of the police officers were found not guilty by the assessors.

Lautoka High Court Judge Justice Aruna Aluthge will deliver his judgement on Friday after a month long trial.

Fijivillage reports the five police officers found guilty are Penaia Drauna, Filise Vere, Viliame Vereivalu, Jona Davonu and Senitiki Natakasavu, and the soldier is Pita Matairavula, who is a former body guard of the prime minister.