The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence is recommending the establishment of a formal whistleblower policy for the Fiji Police Force, providing confidentiality, protection from retaliation, clear reporting procedures and independent oversight.
This was highlighted by Committee Chairperson, Lenora Qereqeretabua, while tabling the review report of the Fiji Police Force 2021-2022 Annual Report in Parliament.
She says accountability must remain central to effective policing.
While existing police associations provide channels for officers to raise concerns, Qereqeretabua says the Force does not have a standalone whistleblower policy.
She says the Committee also supports the introduction of body-worn cameras, subject to an appropriate legislative framework, secure data storage and clear operational policies.
Qereqeretabua says properly implemented body-worn cameras can strengthen evidence gathering, officer accountability and public confidence.
The Assistant Minister says the security environment confronting the Fiji Police Force is changing, and policing capabilities must change with it.
She says the Force requires sustained investment in its people, infrastructure, technology, digital forensics, maritime security and community policing.
Qereqeretabua says serious crime increased by 22 percent, from 2,727 cases to 3,320, while sexual offences also increased by 28 percent.
She says the period under review was particularly challenging, with the Force...
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