Police push for mandatory drug testing for officers

The Fiji Police Force has proposed a constitutional amendment to allow mandatory drug testing of its officers, arguing it is essential to safeguard public safety and maintain the integrity of law enforcement.

Assistant Commissioner of Police Planning, Research and Doctrine Viliame Soko made this submission to the Constitution Review Commission this morning, calling for changes to Section 11.3 of the Constitution.

ACP Soko says the current provision, which protects individuals from medical procedures without consent or a court order, creates a legal barrier for disciplinary forces such as the police.

Insert: Soko - Protect public safety April 21

He says the proposal seeks to introduce a narrowly defined exception that would allow mandatory testing under strict regulations, ensuring accuracy, privacy and proportionality.

He says relying on voluntary testing or court orders is administratively impossible and legally fragile, limiting the force’s ability to address internal misconduct and drug-related risks.

ACP Soko adds that the amendment would strengthen institutional accountability and send a clear message that the Fiji Police Force is committed to being a drug-free organisation.

The submission also highlighted broader concerns about emerging threats, including transnational organised crime, drug trafficking, cybercrime, and maritime and border security risks.

ACP Soko says Fiji must modernise its legal framework to respond effectively, noting that countries like Singapore have strong legislative backing to combat such challenges.

He warns that without reform, criminal networks could exploit legal ambiguities, operational effectiveness could be weakened, and public trust in institutions may decline.

However, with reform, Soko says policing would become more consistent and professional, justice outcomes would improve, and Fiji would better align with international standards, including those of INTERPOL, of which Fiji has been a member since 1971.

He emphasised that the proposal is based on key principles including balance between rights and enforcement, clarity in the law, stronger accountability mechanisms, and readiness to address evolving security threats.

ACP Soko says the proposed amendment is not about removing rights, but about balancing individual protections with the broader right of the public to safety and security.