The proposed Police Bill 2026 would give the Police Commissioner sweeping powers to terminate the appointments of police officers and special constables for poor performance, misconduct, health reasons or loss of confidence in their suitability to serve.
Under Clause 136 of the Bill, the Commissioner may order the termination of a police officer’s appointment if the officer fails to meet health standards prescribed by the Force, fails to undertake a performance review, or does not satisfactorily complete one.
The legislation also allows dismissal as part of workforce restructuring.
Police officers and special constables could also lose their positions if the Commissioner determines there has been a reduction in the establishment of the Force.
More significantly, the Bill gives the Commissioner authority to remove officers if confidence is lost in their suitability to remain in the Force.
The grounds include a lack of competence, a lack of integrity, poor performance of duties, or conduct either on or off duty.
“The Commissioner may also order the termination of the person’s appointment if the Commissioner loses confidence in the person’s suitability to be a Police officer or special constable,” the Bill states.
The provision marks a significant expansion of the Commissioner’s authority over staffing and discipline matters within the Fiji Police Force.
Clause 137 contains similar provisions for civilian employees, police associates and police consultants.
The Commissioner would be able to terminate their employment or engagement in accordance with the terms of their contracts, including where they fail to undertake or satisfactorily complete performance reviews.
Employment may also be terminated due to reductions in staffing levels.
The Bill will go out for public consultations soon.
