The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) has introduced a new Personal Conduct and Marital Integrity Policy designed to enhance the professional standards and integrity of its personnel. This policy stresses the importance of maintaining ethical behavior that reflects positively on the agency.
The guidelines will specifically address conduct within marital and committed relationships, particularly aiming to prevent extramarital affairs that may harm the public perception of the FCS. The policy will also outline expectations for professional behavior both on and off duty, given the high standards of public trust expected from FCS officers.
Commissioner Jalesi Nakarawa highlighted that the initiative demonstrates the organization’s dedication to maintaining professionalism, integrity, and public trust. “Integrity in personal relationships is not merely a private issue for FCS staff; it directly impacts the public’s view of our service,” he stated, emphasizing the necessity for ethical conduct in both personal and professional realms.
Currently under review, the policy will undergo consultations before its formal implementation. Once it is enacted, violations may result in disciplinary measures ranging from counseling and reprimands to suspension or termination, based on the seriousness of the infraction.
Moreover, the policy will include support systems like counseling services for employees who may be struggling with personal issues, reflecting FCS’s commitment to staff welfare while upholding rigorous conduct standards.
The new Personal Conduct and Marital Integrity Policy will apply to all FCS employees, emphasizing areas such as relationship integrity, professional behavior in the workplace, and sustaining a positive public image.