A senior police officer has expressed concerns about the increasing militarization of the Fiji Police Force’s upper ranks, stating that they “can no longer tell what the color blue looks like.” This remark was made during discussions with the National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) team regarding the challenges facing Fiji’s security forces.
The recently released 94-page report highlights issues affecting the Fiji Police Force, particularly the influence of the Republic of Fiji Military Forces on both the police and correctional services. It points out declining community trust in the police, which can be traced back to human rights violations following military coups, alleged involvement of some officers in the drug trade, corruption, and instances of police brutality.
The report notes that senior police representatives have indicated the negative effects on police culture stemming from the appointment of military officers to key positions, including Commissioner of Police. One officer remarked on the detrimental impact of military leadership on the police’s core identity, saying, “We can no longer tell what the color blue looks like.”
These officers argue that the military’s influence has fostered a “warrior culture” within the force, promoting coercive tactics when interacting with the public. This shift in attitude has undermined the investigative independence of police work, as junior officers often feel compelled to follow orders without question.
The report also indicates that implementing strict military discipline in community policing has increased the risk of human rights abuses, further eroding public trust in law enforcement. Stakeholders note that this militarization has negatively affected the service-oriented culture of the Fiji Police Force, with the Fiji Corrections Service adopting similar militarized practices, such as wearing military-style uniforms and publicly parading with weapons.
While some police officials claim that perceptions of low public confidence are exaggerated and that a few negative individuals have damaged the force’s reputation, they stress that a comprehensive government approach is necessary to address various crime issues rather than placing all blame on police.
Moreover, the report suggests that renaming the organization from “police force” to “police service” might help improve perceptions, although stakeholders acknowledge that mere label changes won’t guarantee meaningful improvements.
The NSDR report concludes with a call for a fundamental cultural shift within the police, advocating for a transformative leader to drive reforms and transition from a warrior to a guardian ethos.