Police Standing Orders are vague and they are under review - Tikoduadua

The Police Standing Orders are vague, it does not define what are serious crimes and the treatment of those we refer to as "high interest" persons.

Minister for Home Affairs Pio Tikoduadua made this comment during a press conference today adding all of these are in the hands of the Police to interpret subjectively.

Tikoduadua says as a military person, he knows the detrimental effect vague orders have on decision-making, especially in a constantly changing environment.

He also says they are already in the process of reviewing and changing the laws and the standing orders under which the Police operate.

The Minister further says they want to update them so that they reflect the coalition government's vision of creating a more professional and compassionate police force.

Tikoduadua clarified that the treatment of accused persons by the police is governed by legal frameworks such as the Constitution, the Criminal Procedures Act 2009, and the Fiji Police Force Standing Orders.

He says these frameworks define the procedures that must be followed by the police when dealing with individuals who are accused of crimes.

The Minister also says the Fiji Police Force Standing Orders state, under the section that deals with Custody Treatment, and Administration of prisoners, at section 46 that:

"Male prisoners under arrest for serious offences shall always be handcuffed when under escort."

He further says obviously, police interpreted that a charge of Abuse of Office against former Attorney General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum is a serious offence.

While responding to Opposition MP Viliame Naupoto's statement, Tikoduadua says he wants to emphasize that any individual who feels that their legal rights as an accused person have been violated, has the right to seek legal recourse through the available avenues under the law.

He also adds if Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum chooses to pursue this route, he will respect and support his decision.