The proposed Police Bill 2026 introduced in Parliament yesterday sets out new legal provisions governing the use of force by police officers, including strict limits on the use of force likely to cause death or serious injury.
Under Clause 42 of the Bill, police officers would be allowed to use “reasonable and necessary force” while exercising powers under the Act or other laws, including preventing suspects from escaping lawful custody.
However, the Bill states that any force used must be proportionate to the seriousness of the situation and the legitimate objective being pursued.
“The force used must be proportionate to the seriousness of the circumstances in which it is used,” the Bill states.
The legislation also emphasises that force should only be used when non-violent methods are ineffective.
“As far as possible, force should only be used if other non-violent means are ineffective,” the Bill states.
Importantly, the proposed law specifically restricts the use of force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm unless there is an immediate threat to life or serious injury.
The proposed Police Bill 2026 introduced in Parliament yesterday sets out new legal provisions governing the use of force by police officers, including strict limits on the use of force likely to cause death or serious injury.
Under Clause 42 of the Bill, police officers would be allowed to use “reasonable and necessary force” while exercising powers under the Act or other laws, including preventing suspects from escaping lawful custody.
However, the Bill states that any force used must be proportionate to the seriousness of the situation and the legitimate objective being pursued.
“The force used must be proportionate to the seriousness of the circumstances in which it is used,” the Bill states.
The legislation also emphasises that force should only be used when non-violent methods are ineffective.
“As far as possible, force should only be used if other non-violent means are ineffective,” the Bill states.
Importantly, the proposed law specifically restricts the use of force likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm unless there is an immediate threat to life or serious injury.
“The force used must not be likely to cause death or grievous bodily harm to a person unless it is necessary to prevent death or serious injury to the officer or any other person,” the Bill states.
The proposed legislation also requires police officers and authorities to consider several international human rights conventions and treaties when determining whether force used was reasonable and necessary.
These include the United Nations Convention Against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
The Bill states that regard must also be given to international treaties and instruments Fiji has ratified or acceded to.
The proposed Police Bill 2026 is currently before Parliament for consideration.
unless it is necessary to prevent death or serious injury to the officer or any other person,” the Bill states.
The proposed legislation also requires police officers and authorities to consider several international human rights conventions and treaties when determining whether force used was reasonable and necessary.
These include the United Nations Convention Against Torture, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the United Nations Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials.
The Bill states that regard must also be given to international treaties and instruments Fiji has ratified or acceded to.
The proposed Police Bill 2026 is currently before Parliament for consideration.
