Public could soon get direct hotline to report police misconduct

Government may soon introduce a new hotline and online portal to make it easier for people to report police officers, after the Minister for Policing and Communications, Iowane Naivalurua, confirmed he is “seriously considering” the move.

He made the commitment in Parliament yesterday after Opposition Leader Inia Seruiratu asked whether the public would finally get a direct and simple way to lodge complaints against police misconduct.

Mr Naivalurua said the idea was important and timely, especially as the Fiji Police Force continues its uplift programme with the Australian Federal Police to improve professionalism and rebuild public trust.

“There are currently about ten ways for the public to lodge complaints,” he said.

“But yes, we will consider an online complaints portal and a dedicated telephone line very seriously. This is a key area we must improve for our people.”

He explained that complaints fall into two groups:

• Complaints Against Service (CAS)
• Complaints Against Police (CAP)

The proposed system would strengthen the handling of CAP cases, where officers’ behavior is questioned.

Mr Naivalurua listed existing reporting channels such as the 917 police toll-free line, Crime Stoppers 919, Police Facebook page, Internal Affairs, direct letters to the Commissioner and oversight through FICAC.

However, Opposition MP Rinesh Sharma said Fiji must aim higher by adopting models used in New Zealand and Australia, where independent bodies handle complaints against police to ensure stronger accountability.

“FICAC mainly deals with corruption issues,” he said. “To truly strengthen accountability, can the Minister consider creating an independent body with legal powers to oversee all complaints made against police officers?”

In response, Mr Naivalurua said the Internal Affairs department is already being reviewed to make it more transparent, and Government is also considering whether to shift it outside the Police Force.

He added that Fiji could one day develop a national emergency centre to receive all calls and complaints in one place.

“This is something we have been talking about and something worth considering in the future,” he said.

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