Processes are presently being followed for the review of the Fiji Police Force Standing Orders, says Home Affairs Minister Pio Tikoduadua.
Speaking to the media last Friday, he said the aim of the review was to ensure the Standing Orders reflected the Coalition Government’s vision of “creating a more professional and compassionate police force”.
He made this statement after Opposition member Viliame Naupoto released a statement on the apprehension of the former attorney-general and FijiFirst party (FFP) general secretary Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum.
Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was seen handcuffed as he was being transported from the Criminal Investigations Department (CID) in Toorak to the Central Police Station in Totogo, where he spent the night to await his court appearance the following day.
Mr Naupoto said Mr Sayed-Khaiyum was unnecessarily “paraded around in handcuffs” and called for an investigation into the matter.
“The Police Standing Orders of course are vague, it does not define what are serious crimes and the treatment of those we refer to as ‘high interest’ persons,” Mr Tikoduadua said.
“All of these are in the hands of the police to interpret subjectively.
“As a military person, I know the detrimental effect vague orders have on decision making—especially in constantly changing environments,” he said.
“We are already in the process of reviewing and changing the laws and the standing orders under which the police operate.
“We want to update them so that they reflect the Coalition Government’s vision of creating a more professional and compassionate police force.”
Mr Tikoduadua said that any decision by Mr Sayed-Khaiyum to pursue legal recourse on the issue would be respected and supported by him.
