A senior police officer has expressed concerns to the National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) team, stating they “can no longer tell what the colour blue looks like” due to the military influence on the senior ranks of the Fiji Police Force. A 94-page report released recently highlights issues affecting Fiji’s security forces, particularly the repercussions of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on both the Fiji Police and Fiji Corrections.
The report reveals a significant lack of community trust in the Fiji Police Force, which has been attributed to human rights violations following previous coups, alleged involvement of some officers in the drug trade, corruption, and instances of police brutality. A senior officer noted that the culture within the police has deteriorated due to the appointment of military personnel to key positions, including the Commissioner of Police.
The officer’s statement reflects concerns over how military leadership has altered the identity of the police force, promoting a “warrior culture” that favors aggressive tactics in public interactions. This change has reportedly compromised the investigative independence of police, as junior officers are pressured to accept directives without question.
The application of strict military discipline in community policing has increased the risk of human rights violations, intensifying public fear and mistrust of the police. Stakeholders argue that this militarization has harmed the ethos of the Fiji Police Force, while the Fiji Corrections Service has also adopted a militarized approach, donning military-style uniforms and publicly parading with weapons.
Conversely, some police personnel believe that the community’s perception of their effectiveness is exaggerated and that a few “bad apples” are responsible for damaging the police’s reputation. They assert that many crime-related issues require a comprehensive government response, not solely police action.
The report suggests that stakeholders consider renaming the “police force” to “police service,” though they agree that merely changing the terminology would not ensure the desired transformation. Ultimately, the NSDR report calls for a cultural overhaul led by a transformative leader to facilitate a shift from a warrior mentality to a guardian approach within law enforcement.