The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has announced a temporary halt to the practice of allowing inmates to attend the funerals of close relatives. This decision is part of a broader ongoing review of operational policies and procedures aimed at enhancing safety, security, and consistency in FCS services.
For several years, FCS has granted conditional temporary releases to inmates for attending the funerals of immediate family members as a humanitarian gesture. However, the lack of a formal policy governing these temporary releases has brought to light the necessity for a thorough review.
Dr. Jalesi Nakarawa, Commissioner of Corrections, emphasized the importance of establishing clear guidelines, stating, “While we recognize the significance of family and the profound emotional toll of loss on inmates, we must ensure that there are consistent protocols that consider public safety, security, and operational needs.”
The upcoming review will concentrate on several key areas: establishing specific eligibility criteria for compassionate releases, ensuring the safety and security of both the public and inmates, minimizing operational interruptions caused by such releases, and consulting with important stakeholders to align the policy with best practices.
During this review period, Dr. Nakarawa confirmed that no inmates will be allowed to attend funerals.