Investigators are currently undergoing training on child-specialist interviews, utilizing Video Recorded Interview (VRI) rooms facilitated by the New Zealand Police as part of the Fiji Police Partnership Programme (FPPP).
This program involves senior New Zealand Police Liaison officers collaborating with the Fiji Police to enhance their operations under four key areas: Training, Leadership, Dog Patrol, and Investigation.
The partnership has achieved notable progress in training and capacity building, with one of the latest developments being the introduction of the Child Interview Course.
Once the training is completed, investigators will be qualified to conduct interviews with children using video recordings that can be submitted as evidence in court.
Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police Sakeo Raikaci emphasized the importance of this training, stating, “Through this training, we can avoid children from being re-victimised.” He noted the troubling reality that millions of children worldwide are victims of crime and sexual violence, and highlighted that children in Fiji face similar risks daily, as indicated by their monthly statistics.
Raikaci further stressed that while they address reported incidents, the investigative process is as crucial as proactive policing. He believes that conducting thorough investigations leading to successful prosecutions would send a strong message as a deterrent against such crimes.
He also expressed gratitude on behalf of the Fiji Police Force to the New Zealand Police for their support in improving investigative interviewing capabilities through the training of more officers in the use of VRI rooms.