SECURITY companies could have a greater role in sharing information with police on serious criminal activities under proposed changes to Fiji’s security laws.
Law Reform Commissioner Ana Rokomokoti said the review explored legally mandating information sharing between private security and law enforcement.
Speaking during the consultation on the review of the Security Industry Act 2010, she said private security personnel were often present at locations where other State agencies were not.
“They see things, they know things, and they hear things,” she said.
Ms Rokomokoti said security practitioners who witnessed serious criminal activities such as organised crime, drug trafficking and human trafficking should be able to pass relevant information to police.
“The proposal is linked to Fiji’s national security priorities, including the fight against drugs.”
However, she said any information-sharing system would have to protect privacy and confidentiality.
“The police will remain the civilian authority responsible for receiving and acting on information.”
She said the proposal was being discussed, and industry stakeholders would have an opportunity to provide their views.
She made these comments while responding to concerns raised during the Security Industry Act 2010 review consultation at the Labasa Civic Centre last month.
