Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu says the review of the 1965 Police Act is a crucial step in modernising the Fiji Police Force and aligning its operations with current realities.
Speaking to the media, Tudravu said the existing legislation is outdated and cannot support the needs of a modern police organisation.
He says that it was one of his top priorities when he assumed office.
The Police Commissioner thanked the government for taking up the review and commended the consultative process undertaken so far, which includes validation by senior officers.
He says the new Act will empower the Force with the right tools and authority to effectively deal with emerging forms of crime.
Tudravu also confirmed that the proposed legislation includes provisions for compulsory drug testing for police officers.
He further says they cannot have police officers with drugs in their system enforcing the law.
When fijivillage News asked how the Force will prepare officers for the new changes, the Commissioner assured that once the Act is passed, there will be awareness and training sessions.
@fijivillage.com Tudravu says Police Act Review is a crucial step in modernising the Force
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He says that their legal team is already working on creating awareness.
Tudravu further says that, at the end of the day it is about providing better service to the public, focusing on safety, security and improving service delivery.
He adds that the validation process is the final stage before the draft Act is tabled in Parliament, likely during the final sitting of the year.
