The Fiji Corrections Service emphasizes the importance of robust training programs to ensure heightened security and effective inmate rehabilitation. Orisi Kuboutawa, the Commandant of the Fiji Corrections Academy, highlighted the academy’s crucial role in equipping correctional officers with the necessary discipline, skills, and knowledge essential for managing correctional facilities.
With a tenure of 27 years in the service, Kuboutawa outlined that all uniformed officers begin their careers by completing basic recruit training. This foundational program aims to transform civilians into disciplined professionals who can uphold security while also facilitating the rehabilitation of offenders.
In addition to the primary training, the academy offers leadership courses that align with the various ranks within the service, enabling officers to enhance their management and supervisory abilities. Kuboutawa elaborated that the curriculum not only emphasizes leadership and applicable laws but also includes essential practical skills required for correctional duties.
In a progressive move, the academy is collaborating with the Fiji Higher Education Commission to have its training programs accredited. This initiative aims for recruits to earn a recognized Certificate Level Four qualification upon graduation, thereby reinforcing professionalism within the Fiji Corrections Service. This commitment to improved training standards ultimately fosters a safer environment for both officers and inmates, reflecting a positive development in the correctional system of Fiji.
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