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The University of Fiji (Unifiji) is calling for urgent reform of the Fiji Police Force to build a Dynamic, Responsive, Transformative, and Future-Ready Force capable of addressing today’s complex challenges.

The Vice Chancellor Professor Shaista Shameem said that all proposed reforms and revisions of legislation came within the University’s ThinkTank role as a KPI in its Strategic Plan 2022-2026. Thus the University took as many opportunities as possible to make submissions on legislative revisions either upon request from government agencies or under the University’s own cognizance as the critic and conscience of society.

Professor Shameem said the current Police Act was not only outdated it was not sufficiently focused in accordance with Fiji’s commitments under international law which it was bound to follow.

The revisions recommended by UniFiji were comprehensive, and pertained to proper exercise of law and order with appropriate safeguards in relation to international human rights and humanitarian law. The University’s recommendations were based on achieving the balance between security of the state and people through policing on the one hand, and the rights of the individual and police officers on the other, she said.

Professor Shameem also said that there must be more emphasis on community policing so that there was trust between Fiji’s diverse communities and the police. Furthermore, there seemed to be a shortfall in police training whereby many police officers themselves did not appear to know how to conduct themselves lawfully. There is a duty imposed on the Ministry responsible for policing to ensure that more than basic training is provided to the police in matters such as human values, ethics, diplomacy, gender and child rights issues, advocacy for community policing and language and culture so that police can serve all the people of Fiji fairly and equitably. The University’s submissions were drafted from that perspective in mind.

Fiji faces rising drug-related offences, domestic and sexual violence, emerging digital crimes, transnational threats, and declining public trust in policing. At the same time, citizens demand accountability, transparency, professionalism, and respect for human rights. Without meaningful reform, the Police Force risks losing legitimacy and the ability to effectively protect Fijians.

Following the Police Act Review, Unifiji has submitted a written comprehensive submission for consideration and have proposed major reforms (but is not limited to) to modernize policing and strengthen public trust.

Key Recommendations

1. Mandatory Drug Testing of Police Officers
   • Introduce a law-backed, mandatory drug testing regime for all police officers, across all ranks.
   • Testing should be random, incident-based, and triggered by reasonable suspicion, ensuring that integrity and fitness for duty are maintained at all times.
   • Clear and consistent disciplinary consequences must apply to officers who test positive.
   • This measure will directly address concerns about police involvement in drug-related offences, protect the reputation of the Force, and restore public confidence.
2. Introduction of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs)
   • Amend the Police Act (or adopt a new Surveillance & Policing Technologies Act) to authorize BWCs and other digital tools.
   • Mandate activation during arrests, searches, vehicle stops, use of force, domestic violence responses, and critical incidents.
   • Require strict data governance, privacy safeguards, independent audits, and annual reporting to Parliament.
3. Arms and Ammunition
   • The current Police Act states that the Force is “entitled” to carry arms, a provision that is overly broad and risks misuse. Unifiji recommends replacing this with language that makes firearm use lawful, conditional, and regulated.
   • Firearms must only be used where exceptional, proportionate, and strictly necessary, consistent with international human rights standards. The new Act should also set clear rules for authorization, training, safe storage, and mandatory reporting of firearm use.
4. Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA)
   • Establish an independent civilian-led authority with powers to investigate complaints, subpoena officers, and refer cases for discipline or prosecution.
   • Require annual public reporting to strengthen transparency.
5. Mandatory Mental Health & Psychiatric Assessments
   • Psychological screening should not be limited to recruitment only, officers must also undergo structured mental health assessments every 3–5 years to ensure continued fitness for duty.
   • Provide confidential counselling and wellness programmes to support officers.
6. Community Policing
   • The current Police Act focuses on enforcement but does not recognize community policing as a core duty. Unifiji recommends embedding community policing, prevention, and engagement into the new Act.
   • This includes establishing a Department of Community Safety and Partnerships, creating local community forums, and ensuring all officers are trained in problem-solving and partnership approaches.
   • Fiji must move beyond a reactive model to an intelligence-led, community-driven approach that prevents crime, builds trust, and reduces pressure on frontline response.
7. Whistleblower Protections
   • Enact whistleblower protections for both police officers and civilians, including confidentiality guarantees and protection from retaliation.
   • Link protections to the IPCA for independent oversight of complaints and investigations.
   • Mandate annual public reporting on complaints, investigations, and disciplinary outcomes to ensure transparency.
8. Inclusion & Representation
   • Introduce diversity targets for women, people with disabilities, and ethnic minorities.
   • Publish annual diversity reports and ensure accessibility of police services.
9. Alignment with Constitution & Human Rights
   • The new Police Act must fully reflect Fiji’s Bill of Rights and international standards. This means protecting life, liberty, and privacy, prohibiting torture and discrimination; safeguarding children and vulnerable groups, ensuring fair treatment of arrested persons and strictly regulating the use of force so it is exceptional, proportionate, and a last resort.
10. Ethical Technology & Digital Crime
    • Regulate use of AI, drones, biometrics, and surveillance under a rights-based framework.
    • Establish a Cybercrime & Digital Forensics Unit to address phishing, hacking, and deep fakes.
11. Political Activities
    • New Act in Fiji should maintain clear restrictions on political engagement and outside employment for police officers.
    • The law should prohibit officers from standing for election, campaigning, or publicly supporting political parties while serving in the Force, in order to preserve neutrality and public trust.
12. Mandatory Human Values & Vulnerable Groups Training
    • Make respect, dignity, and fairness core pillars of police training.
    • Include specialized modules on domestic violence, children, people with disabilities, and minority groups.

Unifiji emphasizes that a reformed Police Act will produce a Force that is professional in conduct, accountable in practice, inclusive in representation, and trusted by the people.

“Above all, these reforms will strengthen democracy, uphold justice, and safeguard the dignity and safety of every Fijian, today and for generations to come,” said Madam VC.

The University of Fiji had the honour of hosting Dr. Michael Horowitz, Dean of Atenisi Institute, Tonga, during his two day visit to the Saweni Campus this week. Dr. Horowitz, whose role as Dean is equivalent to Vice-Chancellor, engaged with University leadership and held discussions with staff and students.

University of Fiji Vice-Chancellor, Professor Shaista Shameem warmly welcomed Dr. Horowitz acknowledging that the purpose of his visit was to explore areas of collaboration between Atenisi and the University of Fiji.

These areas of collaboration will focus on shared academic values, the internationalization of Pacific higher education, and the critical role universities play in shaping socially responsible graduates.

‘Atenisi’s education is founded on freedom of thought and intellect. It’s students are taught to critique all types of dogma. The University of Fiji has at its own foundation the aim to be the critic and conscience of society and a human value think tank for the public good. It was inevitable that such like-minded higher education institutions, in neighboring countries, would reach out to each other in the spirit of partnership, particularly during times of uncertainty’, Professor Shameem said.

She said the University was impressed with the depth of Atenisi’s curriculum based on philosophies, both ancient and modern, as well as science, art, humanities, law, languages and performance. Atenisi’s students were deeply thoughtful, inquisitive in knowledge and of practical mind at the same time, the Vice Chancellor said. The University looked forward to staff and students exchanges with Atenisi, and for scholarly joint publications in interdisciplinary studies.

In the meeting, Dr. Horowitz highlighted the intellectual strengths of smaller Pacific institutions, stressing that academic quality is measured not by student numbers but by creative, well-researched scholarship. He also spoke about the need for universities to cultivate conscience, critical judgment, and global awareness in their graduates’ values which he believes are essential to addressing the pressing challenges of the 21st century.

Reflecting on his experience at UniFiji, Dr. Horowitz expressed his appreciation for the warm hospitality and enriching exchange of ideas.

“This partnership is not about who is large or small; it is about intellectual clout. Both Atenisi and UniFiji have much to contribute through rigorous scholarship and by nurturing values that guide graduates beyond their academic years.”

He further noted that student and faculty exchanges could significantly strengthen internationalisation, broadening perspectives and enriching interdisciplinary scholarship across the Pacific.

The University of Fiji looks forward to building on this dialogue to explore joint research initiatives, student exchanges, and academic collaborations with Atenisi Institute, ensuring both institutions continue to serve as vital centres of learning and thought leadership in the Pacific.

Dr. Horowitz also added that the future of higher education in the Pacific depends on producing environmentally conscious graduates willing to make sacrifices for the planet’s wellbeing.

He further endorsed UniFiji’s vision of expanding the humanities and social sciences, noting that literature, philosophy, history, and related disciplines are essential for developing well-rounded graduates even those pursuing science and technical fields.