THE proposed Police Bill 2026 would grant Fiji Police Force new powers to place tracking devices on vehicles, vessels and goods as part of covert investigations into serious offences.
Under Subdivision 3 of the Bill, a senior police officer may authorise the placement of a tracking device “in or on any craft, vehicle or goods” and later service or retrieve the device.
However, the power can only be exercised where the senior officer suspects or believes on reasonable grounds that the tracking is necessary for the investigation of a covert operation offence.
The legislation also sets out procedures for situations where police need to secretly or forcibly enter private property to install, maintain or recover a tracking device.
In such cases, officers would be required to obtain a warrant from an issuing authority.
“If placement, service or retrieval of a tracking device requires covert or forcible entry onto or into any premises, the senior officer must apply in writing to the issuing authority for a warrant,” the Bill states.
The application must include details of the suspected offence, how the tracking will be conducted, the vehicle, craft or goods to be monitored and the requested duration of the warrant.
The Bill also allows emergency applications to be made orally, including by telephone, where a written application is not reasonably practicable.
Importantly, the legislation clarifies that simply attaching a tracking device to the exterior of a vehicle, vessel or goods would not require a warrant.
“Mere external placement of a tracking device upon any craft, vehicle or goods does not constitute entry requiring a warrant,” the Bill states.
Under Clause 64, an issuing authority may approve covert or forcible entry if satisfied that the tracking device is likely to provide information or evidence relating to the commission of an offence.
The warrant could authorise officers to enter premises covertly, forcibly, or both, for the purpose of placing, servicing and retrieving the device.
The Bill would also allow tracking warrants to be renewed, enabling the continued use of tracking devices where investigators believe ongoing monitoring is necessary.
The proposed measures form part of broader reforms contained in the Police Bill 2026, which was tabled in Parliament this week and remains subject to parliamentary scrutiny and debate.
If enacted, the provisions would significantly expand the surveillance and investigative powers available to the Fiji Police Force in covert operations.
