The actions of two off-duty corrections officers who berated police officers outside a popular Suva nightclub have undermined the longstanding cooperation and mutual respect between Fiji’s law enforcement agencies.
The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) made the acknowledgement after completing an internal investigation and taking disciplinary action against the two personnel involved in the incident.
A video circulated on social media showed the two officers, allegedly under the influence of alcohol, confronting police officers and telling them how to carry out their duties.
The incident occurred while two Fiji Police Force officers were conducting a night patrol outside a popular Suva nightspot.
In a statement, the FCS said the behaviour displayed by its personnel directly undermined their colleagues in law enforcement.
It said the incident was particularly regrettable given the longstanding relationship between the Corrections Service and the Fiji Police Force, built on shared sacrifices, mutual support and a common responsibility to protect communities across Fiji.
The Service said the conduct was inconsistent with the standards of respect, discipline and public trust expected of corrections personnel.
It expressed deep regret over the incident, stressing that such behaviour contradicted the values represented by the uniform.
The FCS confirmed that disciplinary action had been taken against both officers following the completion of its internal investigation.
However, it did not disclose the nature of the penalties imposed.
The Service assured the public that mandatory professional conduct training would continue to be rigorously enforced among all serving personnel.
It said the initiative was aimed at reinforcing discipline and preventing further incidents that could damage inter-agency respect and cooperation.
The FCS maintained that professional conduct and mutual respect between law enforcement agencies remained essential to maintaining public confidence.
