Acting Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga has emphasized that the proposed reforms to the Fiji Police Act 1965 are not aimed at altering existing laws but rather at introducing new legislative tools designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of the police force in today’s world. These reforms seek to integrate essential provisions such as DNA evidence usage, mandatory drug testing, breathalyzer implementation, digital forensics, and strategies to combat emerging crimes including human trafficking, transnational offenses, and drug-related issues.
Lutunauga highlighted the necessity for legislation that allows the police force to effectively address both current and future challenges. He pointed out that in light of rapid technological advancements and the changing landscape of security and criminal activities, updated legislation is crucial to support police operations and service delivery.
Legal consultant David Solvalu noted that the review process of the police legislation has been highly consultative, involving discussions with police officers about the practical challenges they face under the current law. Based on these consultations, a comprehensive list of issues was created, which informed the development of a discussion paper outlining proposed changes.
Looking ahead, Solvalu mentioned that the final draft of the reforms will be submitted to the cabinet and parliament for thorough examination and deliberation. He explained that the proposed document will initially be presented as a cabinet paper and will pass through the cabinet’s legislative subcommittee before reaching the full cabinet. If approved, it is expected that the bill will be introduced in parliament sometime next year.
The goal of these proposed reforms is to modernize the Police Act, aligning it with contemporary policing practices while maintaining the principles of transparency, accountability, and public trust as foundational elements of law enforcement in Fiji. This modernization effort reflects a proactive approach in responding to the challenges law enforcement faces in an increasingly complex world.
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