A Naduri villager is concerned at the way police officers conduct house searches, claiming they often enter homes without warrants and fail to observe traditional village protocols.
Rapuama Raqi raised the matter during a public consultation on the review of the Police Act 1965, saying the villagers feel disrespected and uncertain about their rights.
“They walk in, no warrant, no respect for our elders or our way of doing things,” Mr Raqi said.
“This is not the city, this is a village. There are protocols to be observed.”
Mr Raqi questioned whether officers were legally required to present a warrant and if there were laws in place to protect villagers from such unannounced intrusions.
“We are not against the law but we want to know whether the police are supposed to provide a warrant before searching a home,” he said.
In response, David Solvalu, the review consultant of the Police Act of 1965, said officers were not always required to present a warrant.
“If an offence is committed in front of them, the police are authorised to act immediately,” he said.
Mr Solvalu said the amendments and feedback received from the public would help them address the issue.
“It depends on the type of offence and the circumstances.”
Villagers also called for the updated legislation to clearly outline police powers and ensure respect for rural communities.
