AFTER seven months at the helm of the Fiji Corrections Service (FCS), Acting Commissioner Auta Moceisuva says the organisation is reviewing its operations and preparing a new strategic direction aimed at strengthening prison management and aligning its work with the Government’s National Development Plan.
Speaking during an interview with The Fiji Times online portal The Lens@177, Mr Moceisuva said his priority since assuming the acting role had been to assess every aspect of the organisation and identify areas requiring improvement.
“It’s been seven months now since I took over as the Acting Commissioner,” he said.
“As you know, there were a series of leadership changes back then. So now, coming into the seven months and looking back, I think I have looked at what had to be continued in terms of the plans of the organisation.
“I looked at the budget, I looked at the programs, staffing, I looked at the infrastructure, and I’ve also toured all the facilities around the country.”
He said visiting correctional facilities nationwide had given him a clearer understanding of operational challenges and the work needed to improve service delivery.
“And I think I better understand the operations of the facilities. We know where the gaps are, and we could better understand the challenges that are there, as well as the mitigating factors going forward.
“For now, we are still continuing to review operations, especially with the standard operating procedures, the rules of engagement.”
Mr Moceisuva said the review also recognised the important role played by partner agencies and other stakeholders in supporting the Corrections Service.
“And also, we are aware that there are external stakeholders that have a stake in the Corrections Service.
“So, we are trying to put together a plan for next year. The financial year is just 27 days away.
“So what we have learned from the past two years, we are trying to shape the way forward for the Fiji Corrections Service in terms of the programs, in alignment with the National Development Plan of Government, and how we are going to implement that in our annual plan.”
