Necessary recommendations will be made to improve the Totogo Police Station.

This is after the Chairperson of the Fiji Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission Justice Mohammed Ajmeer paid a visit to the station to inspect holding cells and facilities for detainees.

“Improvements may be necessary in a few cells in the exposure of uncovered window rods and loose electrical wires, which could be a potential for suicide cell,” Justice Ajmeer said.

“The washroom for the persons in detention does not have any light and is in need for urgent repairs and have to be clean at all times.

“The holding cells need to be cleaned properly as it had a bad odour.

“Beddings and mattresses were provided, however, some mattresses were not covered.”

The Commissioner of Police Ben Groenewald said as per the Constitution, Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission have a right to look into human rights issues at the Police station.

“I agree with the Chairperson that our police stations are not up to standard. In fact they are from the Colonial era and need to be reviewed,” he said.

“We will wait for his report and look at ways we can improve those standards.”

Justice Ajmeer also briefed the Station Officer and members of the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) on the detention procedures of the rights of arrested and detained persons as stipulated under section 13 (1,2 and 3) of 2013 Constitution.

Observations were made on the state of the cells and recommendations shall be made by way of a written report to the Commissioner of Police.

Final Round Of Talanoa Session

The Commissioner of Police Ben Groenewald will be holding his final round of ‘talanoa’ sessions with community leaders and members of business community in the South and Eastern Division next week.

He will be accompanied by his inner core team and in attendance will be the respective Divisional Police Commander’s and all senior managers of Stations.

“The talanoa session is an opportunity for public consultation.

“It is a time for the public to come forward and raise their issues with us and how we can resolve them,” Mr Groenewald said.

The Eastern Division “talanoa” session will be held in Nausori at the Vunimono Hall on Tuesday June 30 while the Southern Division “talanoa” session will be held at the Suva Civic Centre on Thursday July 2.

Community leaders and members of the business community are encouraged to attend the session if they wish to raise issues regarding the Fiji Police Force.

Feedback: farisha.ahmed@fijisun.com.fj