Police officers are community members in uniforms, whereas community members are Police officers not in uniform, he adds

Responding to recent reports of abuse, Deputy Commis­sioner of Police Isikeli Li­gairi said the police had launched programmes and putting in place policies to improve their image.

He said one way of improving the way they responded to the issue was through the Access to Justice programme launched earlier last month and working together with stakeholders in the justice sector.

ACP Ligairi was speaking while making submissions to the Parlia­ment Standing Committee on For­eign Affairs and Defence at Parlia­ment yesterday.

He said the Fiji Police Force had put in place the first hour proce­dure which was aimed to minimise police brutality where a Legal Aid lawyer was present as soon a per­son was arrested and within an hour.

Hesaid they would assess their projects and strategies every six months. He said a room for video interviewing was currently con­structed at Totogo Police Station.

Deputy Commissioner Ligairi said the support of the community was needed to report on Police offic­ers who were not adhering to their roles, which was also part of the Constitution.

“In terms of attack on Police offic­ers, we are seeking support of the community members,” he said.

Opposition Member of Parliament Mosese Bulitavo said media reports in the last couple of months had been unfavourable with a few is­sues highlighted regarding officers soliciting financial advantage from people and Police brutality.

He said another incident involved a Police officer who was assaulted while on duty and these are issues faced by the Force.

Mr Bulitavo said what were some strategies and measures in place in moving towards addressing chal­lenges faced by the police.

Edited by Rusiate Mataika

arieta.vakasukawaqa@fijisun.com.fj