Fijians who refuse to assist Police during certain emergencies or law enforcement operations could face fines of up to $5,000 under the proposed Police Bill 2026.
The Bill, tabled in Parliament this week, would give Police officers the authority to call on members of the public aged 18 and above to assist them in specific situations where help is considered reasonably necessary.
These include arresting or securing a suspect, transporting a person in Police custody, preventing an escape, re-arresting an escaped detainee, suppressing a breach of the peace or preventing damage to public property.
Under the proposed legislation, any person who, without a reasonable excuse, refuses or fails to provide assistance when requested by a Police officer could be committing an offence.
The penalty for non-compliance is a fine of up to $5,000.
The provision revives a long-standing policing principle that members of the public have a duty to assist law enforcement in maintaining public order and safety when called upon.
If enacted, the measure would place a legal obligation on adults to cooperate with Police in certain circumstances, with financial penalties for those who refuse without a valid reason.
