A Naduri villager has voiced strong concerns about how police conduct house searches, saying officers often enter homes without warrants and fail to observe local village protocols. The comments came during a public consultation on the review of the Police Act 1965, as officials seek to modernize the legal framework that governs policing across the country.
Rapuama Raqi told attendees that in a village setting there are respectful protocols to follow, and that entering a home without a warrant feels like a breach of tradition and rights. “This is not the city; this is a village. There are protocols to be observed,” he said. He also asked whether officers are legally required to present a warrant and what protections exist for villagers against unannounced intrusions, stressing that people are not against the law but want clarity on how it is applied in rural communities.
Responding, the review consultant for the Police Act of 1965, David Solvalu, explained that officers are not always required to produce a warrant. He noted that if an offense is committed in front of them, police are authorised to act immediately. Solvalu added that the amendments and the public’s feedback will help address the issue and that decisions may depend on the type of offense and the surrounding circumstances.
Raqi urged that the updated legislation clearly spell out police powers and include explicit protections for rural communities and respect for village traditions. The broader reform process has underscored a push to modernize policing to better reflect today’s realities while safeguarding residents’ rights.
The public consultation on Fiji’s Police Act 1965 is part of a nationwide effort to gather input from citizens and organizations. Officials say the process will involve meetings in towns and village halls across Viti Levu and Vanua Levu, with opportunities for online submissions as well. Key reform priorities identified in earlier discussions include clarifying policing powers, modernizing use-of-force rules and accountability measures, strengthening community policing, updating training with an emphasis on ethics and sensitivity, and harnessing new technology in ways that protect privacy and rights.
Experts and participants are urged to ask targeted questions in their submissions, such as how community policing should be organized locally, what safeguards are needed around digital tools, and how oversight and complaint mechanisms should function. There is a clear emphasis on ensuring vulnerable groups are protected and whistleblower protections are strengthened.
Analysts say modernizing primary policing legislation is foundational for enabling broader reforms, including training, technology, and accountability mechanisms. Without updated law, reforms can be hampered by outdated powers or procedural limits. If the process remains inclusive and reforms balance effective policing with human rights and community partnership, the review could yield a more accountable, professional, and responsive police service that better protects all Fijians.
For Naduri and similar communities, the reform aims to provide clearer guidance on when warrants are required, improve communication between police and villagers, and reinforce respect for local customs while maintaining public safety. The ongoing consultation offers a pathway to stronger trust and cooperation between rural communities and law enforcement, grounded in transparency and accountability.
Leave a comment