The Fiji Police Force may soon implement a mandatory drug testing policy for all its members. Acting Commissioner of Police, Juki Fong Chew, announced yesterday that he has instructed the legal and policy division of the Force to evaluate the existing drug testing protocols.
The proposed updates could shift from random drug tests to compulsory testing for every police officer and civilian staff member within the department. Commissioner Chew indicated that the initial phase of the new testing protocol would involve personnel from the Commissioner’s office, including himself. He emphasized the urgency of the matter, expecting a report to be submitted to him soon.
Chew’s announcement follows his disappointment regarding incidents of officers partaking in illegal drug activities. In a concerning recent incident, a police officer in Labasa was apprehended while in uniform purchasing drugs at a market. He reassured the public that any reports of misconduct would be thoroughly investigated, asserting that corrupt practices will not be tolerated.
Minister for Home Affairs, Pio Tikoduadua, recognized the need for substantial reform within the police force. He acknowledged that while there needs to be a reset towards professionalism, there are many dedicated officers truly committed to serving the public.
This initiative could mark a new chapter for the Fiji Police Force, seeking to cultivate a culture of accountability and integrity within its ranks. The push for mandatory drug testing reflects a commitment to enhancing public trust and ensuring that law enforcement officials embody the very standards they enforce.
Overall, this development presents an opportunity for the police force to regain public confidence and reinforce the importance of ethical conduct among officers, ultimately leading to a stronger community relationship.
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