FWLA alleges cops harassed women through community Viber groups

Police officers have been accused of sexually harassing women through community Viber groups created for neighbourhood policing, prompting calls for stronger safeguards and accountability under the proposed Fiji Police Bill.

The allegations were made by the Fiji Women's Lawyers Association (FWLA) during its submission to Parliament's Standing Committee on Justice, Law and Human Rights yesterday.

FWLA president Patricia Naisara and lawyer Madona Fong told the committee that while community policing initiatives were intended to strengthen relationships between police and residents, some officers had allegedly misused the platforms by privately messaging women.

Ms Fong said women had reported receiving unwanted messages from police officers after joining community Viber groups.

"Community policing initiatives have meant a lot of Viber groups are created, like a neighbourhood watch situation, and they include police officers from the local police post," she said.

"Unfortunately, some of those police officers have started privately messaging women in the Viber group that they're supposed to protect.

"'Good morning, how are you? You look so nice. Want to come and meet me?' They are sexually harassing them, to be quite frank."

Ms Naisara said the allegations reflected broader concerns about women's confidence in the police.

"There is a lot required to really bring our current force up to par, or a reasonable standard that they are seen as protectors and upholders of the law," she said.

"Right now, to be frank, I believe for the most part they're seen as abusers and a violent organisation that may or may not help you."

The association said improving police training was critical to rebuilding public trust and ensuring officers understood how to appropriately engage with women and vulnerable members of the community.

Ms Naisara said stronger training, accountability and support for female officers should be built into the new law to improve policing standards and protect the public.

The comments were made as the committee considered submissions on the proposed Fiji Police Bill, which aims to modernise policing legislation.