A senior police officer has expressed deep concerns regarding the militarization of the Fiji Police Force’s senior ranks, stating that they “can no longer tell what the color blue looks like.” This remark was included in a report released by the National Security and Defence Review (NSDR) team, which raises pressing issues about the state of Fiji’s security forces.
The 94-page document, made public recently, highlights the significant impact that the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) has had on both the police and corrections systems in the country. One of the key concerns is the declining levels of community trust in the Fiji Police Force, attributed to various factors such as human rights violations following political coups, allegations of police complicity in the drug trade, systemic corruption, and incidents of police brutality.
According to the report, senior police representatives have noted that the appointment of military officials to high-ranking police positions has negatively affected police culture. The shift in leadership has allegedly fostered a “warrior culture” within the force, promoting aggressive and coercive methods in public interactions. One officer emphasized this transformation by stating, “We can no longer tell what the color blue looks like.”
The document also points out that this militarization has compromised the independence of police investigations, as junior officers feel pressured to adhere unquestioningly to the orders of senior military-influenced leaders. The report further suggests that adopting a strict military approach to community policing has increased the potential for human rights violations, exacerbating public fear and distrust toward law enforcement.
Additionally, stakeholders indicated that the Fiji Corrections Service has adopted a similar militarized ethos, with personnel now donning military-style uniforms and publicly brandishing swords and assault rifles. Despite these issues, some police officers argue that the public’s perception of their efficacy is exaggerated and blame a few “bad apples” for damaging their overall reputation. They contend that many crime-related issues require a comprehensive governmental response and should not fall solely on the police.
The NSDR report recommends a shift in terminology from “police force” to “police service,” though stakeholders recognize that merely changing the name would not ensure the necessary transformation. The report emphasizes the need for a cultural overhaul within the police, advocating for a transformative leader who can facilitate a change from a warrior mindset to one focused on safeguarding the community.