POLICE officers should be allowed to resign through a fair and structured process, states a discussion paper released by the Fiji Law Reform Commission as part of the current review of the Police Act 1965.
The paper states that the current rules are overly restrictive and do not reflect modern employment standards.
The paper states that currently, the law restricts officers from resigning from the Fiji Police Force without the commissioner’s approval.
While this is meant to “maintain continuity of service and ensure the force retains trained personnel,” the paper argues that the provision is “rigid and does not account for personal circumstances or rights of officers to terminate employment.”
The paper proposes that the new Police Act should provide a balanced and transparent resignation mechanism.
“The new Act should provide a structured mechanism for resignation that both protects the interests of the force and respects the rights of officers,” the paper states.
The paper suggests that Fiji adopt a model that ensures operational stability while acknowledging officers’ right to leave the service.
“Comparative approaches in New Zealand and Australia balance organisational needs with employment rights by providing clear notice periods and formal processes for resignation,” the paper states.