The review of Fiji’s Police Act of 1965 is making significant strides, with a validation workshop currently taking place in Suva aimed at refining the draft legislation prior to its presentation to Cabinet. Acting Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga inaugurated the workshop, emphasizing that the Fiji Police Force is undergoing a crucial transformation focused on rebuilding public trust and confidence.
Lutunauga pointed out that many provisions in the existing Act are outdated, which hampers the police’s ability to address contemporary challenges effectively. He noted that modern policing transcends traditional law enforcement, with officers facing increased public scrutiny as they deal with complex societal issues such as crime, drug-related offenses, and the expanding influence of technology.
“The perception of the police by the community is vital for collaborative efforts to protect our society. Our responsiveness is even more crucial, and with the growing dependence on technology, we must stay five to ten steps ahead,” Lutunauga stated.
The workshop is a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Policing, the Office of the Solicitor-General, and the Fiji Police Force, with valuable technical and financial assistance from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Programme.
Heike Alefsen, the UN Human Rights Regional Representative for the Pacific, underscored the urgent need for modernization of the Police Act to align with evolving societal norms and the responsibilities of modern policing. A significant focus of the review is to ensure that the use of force remains lawful, proportionate, and consistent with democratic principles and international human rights standards.
Alefsen highlighted that Fiji’s ratification of several international conventions, including the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, necessitates that the updated legislation incorporates these obligations. She stressed that fostering accountability and enhancing public trust are pivotal for achieving effective and sustainable reforms within the police force.
This development marks a hopeful step forward in strengthening the relationship between the police and the community, emphasizing a proactive approach to modern law enforcement that prioritizes human rights and accountability.
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