$100,000 fine for misusing Police name and property

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Companies in of possessing, using, selling or reproducing Police property without authorisation and those who use words such as “Police”, “Fiji Police” or “Fiji Police Force” in a way that could lead the public to believe an activity is endorsed or authorised by the Police will face fines of up to $100,000  under provisions contained in the proposed Police Bill 2026.

The Bill, tabled in Parliament this week, introduces a range of offences aimed at protecting official Police equipment, uniforms, insignia and other Police property from misuse.

Under the proposed law, it would be an offence to possess, use, exchange, manufacture, reproduce, sell, distribute, buy, borrow, import or export Police property without authorisation or a reasonable excuse.

Individuals convicted of such offences could face fines of up to $10,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both. However, the penalties are significantly higher for companies and organisations, with corporate bodies facing fines of up to $100,000.

The legislation also targets the unauthorised use of Police-related terms.

Businesses, organisations or individuals who use words such as “Police”, “Fiji Police” or “Fiji Police Force” in a way that could lead the public to believe an activity is endorsed or authorised by the Police could also face prosecution.

Under the proposed provisions, an individual found guilty could be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to five years, while corporate entities could again be fined up to $100,000.