Police force urged not to abuse powers

“The police force needs to guard against the extraordinary powers they have from abuse”.

These are the words of Professor Edward Lamour of USP while moderating at yesterdays Police Symposium, who said these powers can be used to green light crimes.

Lamour had highlighted yesterday that within the institution of law and order, corruption can come into play through bad systems or individuals.

According to a 2006 Transparency International Survey on Corruption in Fiji.

Within the police force 25% believed the service was extremely corrupt.

7% paid a bribe to those in contact for service.

Lamour said a bad system helps create opportunities for corrupt practices and bad individuals will find this an advantage.
 
The correcting measures are to reform the system as well as screen individuals from induction.

Lamour spoke on the topic of Good Governance and Leadership Perspective yesterday to 94 officers of senior positions from the 4 divisions.


Story by: Gwen McGoon