Constraints over critical infrastructure are slowing plans to roll out police body cameras, with assessments now underway to determine the best way forward.
Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu said the Fiji Police Force remained committed to introducing body-worn cameras as part of efforts to improve transparency and accountability.
However, he stressed the process would be gradual, with key systems needing to be in place before any rollout.
“There is a lot of supporting infrastructure that must be in place before we invest in body cameras for the organisation,” he said.
“The Fiji Police Force, in its endeavour to fully utilise the use of technology to improve policing and ensure transparency, is working firstly on enhancing our ITC capabilities through the AFP-supported UPLIFT program.
“We understand that there are a lot of calls for the introduction of body cams, but there are constraints in having the proper enabling infrastructure to store video footage, so we are carrying out assessments to see the best way forward. It’s not an overnight process and requires necessary funding support also.”
In an earlier press conference, Mr Tudravu said the introduction of body cameras involved more than issuing devices, with proper systems needed to store, manage, and secure footage, along with training for officers.
The move is aimed at strengthening professionalism, accountability, and public trust, once the necessary legal and operational frameworks are in place.
