Fiji is making noteworthy progress in its review of the Police Act of 1965, as evidenced by a validation workshop taking place in Suva. This initiative aims to enhance the draft legislation prior to its submission to Cabinet. Acting Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga addressed participants, reiterating the Police Force’s dedication to a transformative process intended to restore public confidence and trust.
Lutunauga highlighted that many sections of the current Act are outdated, which impedes the police’s capability to tackle contemporary issues effectively. He emphasized that the responsibilities of modern policing extend beyond traditional law enforcement, with officers now contending with increased public scrutiny and complex social challenges such as crime, drug abuse, and rapid technological advancements.
“The perception of the police force by the community is crucial in our collective efforts to ensure safety. Our responsive measures are even more critical as we rely more on technology. We need to remain several steps ahead,” Lutunauga asserted, underlining the importance of adapting to societal expectations.
This workshop is a joint effort involving the Ministry of Policing, the Office of the Solicitor-General, and the Fiji Police Force, supported by technical and financial backing from the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and the United Nations Development Programme.
Heike Alefsen, the UN Human Rights Regional Representative for the Pacific, further underscored the pressing need to modernize the Police Act. She noted that the updated legislation should reflect societal changes and current policing duties, ensuring that the use of force by law enforcement remains lawful and proportional, while aligning with democratic and international human rights standards.
Alefsen reminded attendees that Fiji has ratified multiple international treaties, including the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Therefore, the new law must incorporate these commitments and prioritize enhancing accountability and public trust as critical components of sustainable police reform.
This reform initiative symbolizes a collaborative effort aimed at modernizing police practices in Fiji, aligning them with international norms and fostering a brighter future for effective community policing.