The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has put forward a proposal to reduce the rehabilitation period for prisoners from seven years to five. This initiative was presented during the FCS’s submission on the Criminal Record Bill. In addition to reducing the rehabilitation period, the FCS is advocating for an increase in the minimum sentence from 30 months to four years and for adjustments to Clause 23(2C) of the Bill to formally acknowledge rehabilitation programs in reports from the FCS. This change would allow psychologists to outline treatments focused on addressing offending behavior.
Samisoni Naba, the FCS Legal Manager, asserts that these proposed reforms are aimed at aiding prisoners’ reintegration into society, helping them secure employment, and ultimately reducing re-offending rates. Naba emphasized that the FCS’s rehabilitation process is structured in three phases: discipline, treatment for offending behavior, and practical skills development through work experience and certification.
Naba raises a critical point regarding the current system. He notes that if a prisoner sentenced to three years completes all rehabilitation phases and obtains a qualification, they would still face a four-year wait due to the existing seven-year rehabilitation requirement before clearing their criminal record for employment. This delay poses a significant hindrance to their ability to reintegrate into the workforce and contribute positively to society.
Committee member Jone Usamate requested that the FCS provide data to support their recommendations, particularly concerning the upskilling programs available to inmates. He expressed the need for clarity on the rationale behind the suggested changes, especially how they would affect formerly incarcerated individuals who have acquired qualifications.
The FCS has further proposed the implementation of case-by-case assessments to promote fairness in the rehabilitation process and to effectively reduce re-offending rates. By adopting these measures, the FCS hopes not only to enhance the lives of former prisoners but also to foster a safer environment within communities by addressing the root causes of re-offending.
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