The review of Fiji’s Police Act 1965 is making significant strides as a validation workshop unfolds in Suva, aimed at refining the draft legislation before it is submitted to Cabinet. Acting Police Commissioner Aporosa Lutunauga addressed the assembly, emphasizing the Police Force’s commitment to a profound transformation designed to rebuild public trust and confidence.
Lutunauga pointed out that many provisions in the existing Act have become outdated, hindering the police’s ability to address modern challenges effectively. He underscored the expanded role of contemporary policing, which now encompasses much more than traditional law enforcement. Officers today face increased public scrutiny and must navigate complex social issues such as crime, drug abuse, and the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
“The perception of the police force by the community is crucial in 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 stated.
The workshop represents a collaborative initiative between the Ministry of Policing, the Office of the Solicitor-General, and the Fiji Police Force, with technical and financial assistance 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, affirmed the urgent need for modernization of the Police Act to mirror societal changes and contemporary policing duties. She highlighted the importance of ensuring that any use of force by law enforcement remains lawful and proportionate while adhering to democratic and international human rights standards.
Alefsen noted that Fiji has ratified several international conventions, including the Convention against Torture and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Therefore, the revised law must integrate these commitments while focusing on enhancing accountability and fostering public trust as foundational elements for sustainable police reforms.
This ongoing reform reflects a collaborative effort to not only modernize police practices but to align them with international norms, reinforcing a hopeful path toward effective community policing in Fiji.