The Fiji Police Force is in the process of reviewing its Use of Force Policy, aiming to ensure that it aligns with the country’s international human rights commitments and the Government’s Restore Blue initiative. Recently, a significant consultation meeting involved 30 senior police officers and was supported by organizations such as the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), UN Development Programme (UNDP), and UN Women.
A key component of this review is the introduction of the Tactical Options Framework, developed with insights from the New Zealand Police. This new protocol is intended to improve decision-making among officers, ensuring that any use of force is necessary, reasonable, and proportionate.
Assistant Commissioner of Police Planning, Research and Doctrine, Aporosa Lutunauga, underscored the importance of promoting values such as professionalism, integrity, respect, inclusiveness, courage, and compassion in all policing activities. Furthermore, he emphasized that the police’s mission revolves around creating a safe and secure Fiji, fostering strong community partnerships to prevent crime.
The OHCHR Representative for the Pacific, Heike Alefsen, noted that police officers play a vital role in upholding human rights and maintaining social order. This underscores the significance of institutionalizing human rights principles within policing protocols, as it supports the rehabilitation of public confidence in law enforcement.
This ongoing dialogue and reform efforts signal a hopeful trajectory for improving police accountability and human rights practices in Fiji. While there have been concerns about police conduct and accusations of excessive force, the commitment expressed during this consultation presents an opportunity for positive change. Comprehensive training focused on empathy and ethical practices can enhance community-police relations, ultimately contributing to a safer environment for all citizens.
The hopeful aspect of this situation lies in the potential for a renewed relationship between the Fiji Police Force and the communities they serve, as both sides work towards common goals of safety and justice.
Leave a comment