The Fiji Police Force is taking significant steps towards enhancing the integrity and accountability of its officers with proposed amendments to the Police Act that would allow for mandatory drug testing across the organization. Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu has expressed that the current voluntary testing leaves critical gaps that the new legislation aims to address, ensuring that all officers are also fit for duty.
Tudravu elaborated that the proposed changes would enable drug testing not only for new recruits but would also encompass active officers at various points throughout their service, including testing at the commissioner’s discretion. He emphasized the necessity of these measures, stating, “We are the enforcers of the law, and you need to abide by the law. So we cannot have police officers that already have drugs within their system to be enforcing that law. So it will be helpful for us.”
These planned amendments are part of a broader effort to foster a culture of accountability within the force. The updated legislation is focused on promoting people-centered policing, which aims to enhance the operational powers of the police while simultaneously safeguarding the rights and safety of officers and the public alike.
In a related initiative highlighted by Acting Commissioner Juki Fong Chew, there is a strong push to transition from the current practice of random screenings to a comprehensive mandatory drug testing protocol for all personnel, reflecting a growing concern regarding substance abuse within law enforcement. Reports of police officers engaging in illegal drug activities have spurred the need for reforms, which are being supported by the Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua.
These developments signal a hopeful progression for the Fiji Police Force, presenting an opportunity to restore public confidence in law enforcement. By actively addressing drug-related misconduct and implementing robust testing protocols, the leadership of the police force aims to reinforce community relationships and foster a safer society for all. The collaborative efforts of Commissioner Tudravu and Commissioner Chew exemplify a commitment to transparency, ethics, and integrity, paving the way for a more reliable police service dedicated to upholding the law.
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