Source document: https://docs-lawep.s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/1697722883956.pdf (Fiji)
APPENDICES FIJI POLICE FORCE ANNUAL REPORT AUGUST 2018 – JULY 2019 FIJI POLICE FORCE OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE Vinod Patel Building, 4½ Miles, Nasinu, P O Box 239, Suva, Fiji Islands Telephone: (679)3343 777 Fax: (679)3343 818 email: fjcompol@gmail.com Our Ref: A/11/16 Your Ref: Parl.

6/16 The Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence P.O.
Box 2352 Government Building Suva Re: Feedback on FPF Parliament Submission -14.6.22 1.0 Reference is made to your correspondence dated 23 June, 2022 on the above subject.

2.0 The FPF feedback on the written questions is appended herewith.

3.0 Please do not hesitate to communicate with the Chief Planning, Research and Doctrines (CPRD) ACP Aporosa Lutunauga on mobile number 9905813 or email lutunauga@gmail.com.fj for any further clarification on the above subject matter.

Vinaka vakalevu.
Vinaka vakalevu.

Sitiveni T. Qiliho Brigadier-General Commissioner of Police OF (MIL), CM, MSD, MSc, PG Cert (Sec &amp; Strat), rcds psc June 2022 ANNEXURE Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence Fiji Police Force Annual Report 2018/2019 Written Questions & Responses 1.

Please explain the legislation that governs death on the high seas and provisions for review?

1.1.

The specific legislation in respect of all sudden or unnatural death is the Inquest Act 1967 (the “Act”).

1.2.
1.2.

Section 3 (1) of the Act prescribes that where the Officer-in-Charge of a Police Station receives information that a sudden or unnatural death has occurred, including a death on the high seas, he or she shall immediately proceed, or shall direct another Police officer immediately to proceed to make an investigation and shall subject to and in accordance with the Commissioner of Police, report to a Magistrate in the form prescribed.

1.3.
1.3.

Section 3 (2) does not require the body of the deceased to be present so long as the information provided in accordance with section 3 (1) affords reasonable grounds to suspect that a sudden or unnatural death has occurred.

1.4.

However, in cases whether a person is presumed to have died on high seas, whether due to suspected foul play, by accidently falling or willfully jumping abroad and whose body has not been recovered, there is a vacuum in the written Laws of Fiji.
The Act or any other Laws of Fiji does not provide any specific period during which a person should be missing; either on high seas or elsewhere before he or she can be presumed to be dead and an inquest can be conducted.
The prevailing common law as annexed herein states that “by virtue of a long sequence of judicial statements, which either assert or assume such a rule, it appears accepted that there is a convenient presumption of law applicable to certain cases of seven years' absence where no statute applies”.

1.5.
1.5.

In this regard, the Fiji Police Force recommends that this august Standing Committee consider to deliberate on amending the Act by inserting new provisions specifying the period during which a person should have been missing before he or she can be presumed by law to be dead.

This will allow for inquests in cold cases where persons have been missing for several years and have not been heard of or heard from after a due and diligent search.

1.6.
1.6.

We further recommend that the amended legislation should also include the requirements which must be met before a person can be legally presumed to be dead.

This process will streamline the investigative process of the Fiji Police Force as well as the judiciary requirements in this regards.

2. Who should be developing KPIs?

ACP Lutunauga stated the KPIs were developed by the Charter Office/NCCBF under PM’s Office in 2009?

2.1.
The initial Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) development in the Fiji Police Force emanated from the initiative of the then Strategic Framework for Change Coordinating Office (SFCCO) in 2009 as follows: KPI 1: Reduce Complaints Against Service (CAS) & Complaints Against Police (CAP) by 50% KPI 2: Reduce Overall Crime by 10% KPI 3: Reduce Serious Crime by 10% KPI 4: Reduce Crime Against Women by 10% KPI 5: Reduce Crime Against Children by 10% KPI 6:Maintain Detection Rate by 70% KPI 7:Reduce Road Fatalities by 30% KPI 8:Keep within Budgetary Allocation 2.2.
This was adopted and implemented by the FPF from 2009 until the duration People’s Charter, Strategic Framework for Change (SFC) and the Roadmap for Democracy and Sustainable Socio-Economic Development (RDSSED) until mid-2015.

These have been the basis of enabling performance to be measured, monitored, evaluated, reported and improved since then.

2.3.
2.3.

The targets for those KPIs have remained until recently when the FPF started reviewing these KPIs for better accountability, ownership, transparency and good governance in the best interest of our consumers.

Thus, for the Fiscal Year 2018/19, two additional KPIs were developed.

These included Number of Drugs Cases Registered (KPI 8) and to Maintain Successful Prosecution Rate of 90% (KPI 9).

2.4.
2.4.

Furthermore, in the Fiscal Year 2021/2022, KPI 1 was amended to: (i) Reduce CAP by 10%; and (ii) Removal of KPI 8, i.e.

Keep within Budgetary Allocation.

2.5.

At present, the FPF has a total of nine KPIs as tabulated below.

KPI 1: Reduce CAP by 10% KPI 2: Reduce Overall Crime by 10% KPI 3: Reduce Serious Crime by 10% KPI 4: Reduce Crime Against Women by 10% KPI 5: Reduce Crime Against Children by 10% KPI 6:Maintain Detection Rate by 70% KPI 7:Reduce Road Fatalities by 30% KPI 8: No.
of Drugs Cases Registered KPI 9: Maintain Successful Prosecution Rate of 90% 2.6.

The FPF is appreciative of government’s efforts and guidance in the initial development of our KPIs.

However, as the criminal landscape evolves, the demand for police services escalated to meet the needs of our customers, whereby we have taken ownership of our service delivery and performance.
Hence, the amendments to include two new KPIs on drugs and prosecution, which are relevant and aligned to the government’s intent on the war on drugs and providing justice.

3.

Please explain current KPIs methodology (who sets or formulates the KPI’s, is it tied to the Government NDP and UN SDG 2030 Agenda) for 2018-2019 fiscal year and to date 2022 and beyond moving forward?

3.1.

The evolution of the KPIs in the FPF has been alluded to in the previous question.
It was initiated by the government and is now reviewed by the FPF to suit our needs based on the current criminal landscape.

3.2.
3.2.

In developing these KPIs, several methodologies are adopted including consultations (with internal and external stakeholders), desktop studies of other law enforcement jurisdictions, past performance (Analysis of Strategic Plans, Annual Corporate Plans, Annual Reports, and Parliamentary Review Reports), National and International doctrines such as UN SDGs, Conventions, Treaties and Fiji’s NDP, National Security Strategy, etc.

3.3.
3.3.

These KPIs are particularly aligned to the NDP, specifically with the aim of achieving “An inclusive, safe, secure, stable and prosperous Fiji”, (Pp.61 NDP) and also aligning to SDG 16 on ‘Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions”.

Annexure Attorney-General v Saunders [1986] FJSC 6; [1986] 32 FLR 24 (11 July 1986) SUPREME COURT OF FIJI Civil Jurisdiction ATTORNEY-GENERAL v M.J.C.

SAUNDERS Rooney, J.

11 July 1986 (Inquest Application for order directing Resident Magistrate therefor) Dr A.
Sing for the Appellant J.

Small, Amicus Curiae for the Respondent Application by the Attorney-General pursuant to s.(30)(i) of the Inquests Act (Cap.

46) for an order directing Mr Saunders (Resident Magistrate) to hold an inquiry into the cause and circumstances connected with the disappearance of William Allan Jones (Jones).

This person has some years ago, lived and worked in Fiji.

In February 1985 then residing in Singapore; he left on employment transfer to Hawaii, deciding to visit Fiji en route.
He arrived at Nadi Airport on 17 February stayed in Suva for two nights at the Travelodge Hotel and on the 19th travelled by bus to the Reef Resort Hotel, Sigatoka.

On 20th February he hired an Avis Car for one day and returned it on 21 February at 0800 hours.

That day he reported to a supervisor at the Reef Hotel that he would be leaving on Saturday 23 February 1985.

He was never seen again.


His personal belongings including Passport, Air Ticket, clothes (but no bathing costume), personal belongings including $250 in various currencies were left in his room at the Reef Hotel.

Exhaustive enquiries were made into his disappearance by the Police with no result.

He had a wife and children in Wales.

There was no evidence before the Court as to the state of his marriage.
Relevant section of the Inquests Act include- The definition of "sudden or unnatural death" is given in section 2.
"Means a death or disappearance where- (a) a person has committed suicide; or (b) a person has been killed by another, or by an animal or by machinery or during the course of a fire or by accident; or (c) a person has died under circumstances in which some other person may have committed an offence; or (d) a person has died, or has disappeared in circumstances which raise a reasonable presumption that he has died, and the cause of such death or presumed death is not known."
Section 3 reads: "3.-(1) If an officer in charge of a police station receives information that a sudden or unnatural death has occurred, he shall immediately proceed, or shall direct some other police officer immediately to proceed to make an investigation and shall, subject to and in accordance with the instructions of the Commissioner of Police, report to a magistrate in the form prescribed.
(2) Such a written report shall be made in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) notwithstanding the fact that although such information as aforesaid affords reasonable grounds for believing that a death has occurred, it is impossible or impracticable to discover, recover or view the body of such deceased person".
Section 20(1) reads: "Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7, the Attorney-General may at any time apply to the Supreme Court for an order directing a magistrate to hold an inquest into the cause of and the circumstances connected with any death occurring in the circumstances specified in section 3 and the magistrate to whom such direction is given shall thereupon proceed to hold an inquest in accordance with the provisions of the order and of this Act."
The law in Fiji permits an inquest without the presence of a body.

Mr Saunders ' refusal was on the grounds that there was no evidence for believing or reasonable grounds that a death had occurred.

The learned Judge examined the evidence and hypothesis that may be inferred and relevant authorities.

Held: To order an inquest would be equivalent to a finding of a sudden or unnatural death experienced by Jones, which could have significant consequences as to his estate and wife's status.
On the evidence there was no "presumption either way" i.e.

as to the continuance of life or death.

Application refused.

Cases referred to: Watson v. England (S.C. 8 Jur.

1062).

In re Benjamin Neville v. Benjamin (1902) 1 Ch.

723.

Chard v. Chard (1955) 3 All ER.

721.

Re Mathews (1898) P. 17.

ROONEY, J.

Judgment This is an application by the Attorney-General made under section 20(1) of the Inquests Act Cap.

46.

It seeks an order from this Court directing M.J.C.

Saunders.
Saunders.

Esq ., Resident Magistrate to hold an inquest into "the cause of and circumstances connected with the disappearance of William Allan Jones in circumstances which raise a reasonable presumption that he had died".
Section 20(1) reads: "Notwithstanding the provisions of section 7, the Attorney-General may at any time apply to the Supreme Court for an order directing a magistrate to hold an inquest into the cause of and the circumstances connected with, any death occurring in the circumstances specified in section 3 and the magistrate to whom such direction is given shall thereupon proceed to hold an inquest in accordance with the provisions of the order and of this Act."
Section 3 reads: "3.-(1) If an officer in charge of a police station receives information that a sudden or unnatural death has occurred, he shall immediately proceed, or shall direct some other police officer immediately to proceed to make an investigation and shall, subject to and in accordance with the instructions of the Commissioner of Police, report to a magistrate in the form prescribed.
(2) Such a written report shall be made in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) notwithstanding the fact that although such information as aforesaid affords reasonable grounds for believing that a death has occurred, it is impossible or impracticable to discover, recover or view the body of such deceased person".
Section 7 reads: A magistrate may hold an inquest if there is nobody available, in any of the circumstances referred "7.-(1) If, upon receiving all necessary reports, a magistrate shall be satisfied, without holding an inquest, as to the cause of death, he shall report to the Attorney-General the cause of death as ascertained to his satisfaction.

(2) to in section 3.


(3) A magistrate shall not hold any inquest under this Act if he has reason to believe that criminal proceedings against any person for having caused the death of the deceased have been, or are about to be, commenced.

(4) adjourn the inquest sine die if any such criminal proceedings as aforesaid are commenced."

In all other cases, the magistrate shall proceed as soon as possible to hold an inquest but may The definition of "sudden or unnatural death" is given in section 2.
"Means a death or disappearance where- (a) a person has committed suicide; or (b) a person has been killed by another, or by an animal or by machinery or during the course of a fire or by accident; or (c) a person has died under circumstances in which some other person may have committed an offence; or (d) a person had died, or has disappeared in circumstances which raise a reasonable presumption that he has died, and the cause of such death or presumed death is not known."
So the law in Fiji permits an inquest to be held without a body but where there is a reasonable presumption that the prepositus has died or there are reasonable grounds for believing that death has occurred.

Jones, was an electrical engineer aged 40.

Some years ago he lived and worked at Suva for Fintel which is associated with Cable and Wireless PLC by whom Jones was employed.

In February 1985 he left Singapore on transfer to Hawaii and he decided to visit Fiji en route.
He arrived at Nadi Airport on the 17th February, and stayed at the Travelodge, Suva on the nights of the 17th and 18th.

He met some old friends in Suva and on the 19th travelled by bus to the Reef Resort-Hotel, Sigatoka.

On the 20th February at 0830 he hired a car from Avis.

This was for one day.

On its return it was noted that the car had travelled a distance of 231 kilometres.
It is not known where Jones went in the car, but, the distance travelled, if correctly recorded, would not have permitted him to have gone as far as Suva in the east or to Ba in a north westerly direction.

The car was returned at 0800 on Thursday 21st February.

On the same day Jones reported to Una Murray a supervisor at the Reef Hotel that he would be leaving on Saturday the 23rd.

Jones was not seen again by anyone in Fiji, so far as it is known.
His passport, air ticket to Honolulu, clothes and personal belongings including about $250 in various currencies including U.S. dollars, Fijian dollars, Singapore and Hong Kong dollars were left in room 224 at the Reef Resort Hotel.

The police have made exhaustive enquiries into his disappearance, interviewing many people who saw or might have seen him during his visit to Fiji or after his inexplicable disappearance, with no positive results.
It can be safely assumed, that if Jones is still alive, he is no longer in Fiji.

He has vanished without trace in the circumstances outlined above.

Jones has a wife, children and other relatives in Wales.

Nothing has been placed before this Court concerning the state of Jone's marriage, or his finances prior to his disappearance or why it was that he was working abroad separated from his family.
There has been exhibited a letter from his uncle, a Mr W. A. M. Jones, to the Commissioner of Police dated 14th March, 1985.

This letter asks for further information and it suggests that as no bathing trunks were found among the clothes left at the Reef Resort Hotel that Jones may have drowned while bathing in the sea.

It also requests guidance as to the procedures which must be followed in the event of no body being found.
Mr Saunders has refused to open an inquest on the grounds that there is no evidence which affords reasonable grounds for believing that a death has occurred.

There is evidence of the disappearance of William Allun Jones but nothing to show that, for instance, he was seen failing in the river or going out to swim in the sea or jumping off a cliff.

There is no part of a body which has been recovered which raises a reasonable presumption of death.

There are two reasonable hypotheses.


Firstly, Jones may have gone swimming off the coast, drowned and his body was swept out to sea.

Secondly, Jones may have arranged his disappearance and has departed from this country by some unorthodox method and is now alive and well in some other part of the world.

The acceptance of either hypothesis requires a degree of speculation unsupported by any real evidence.
To order an inquest would be equivalent to a finding that Jones had suffered a sudden or unnatural death as that is defined by the Inquests Act Cap.

46.

Such a finding would have significant consequences with regard to his estate and the status of his wife.

In Watson v. England (S.C. 8 Jur.

1062), decided in 1844, Sir Lancelot Shadwell V.C.

declined to presume the death of a girl, then aged sixteen or seventeen, who disappeared in 1814 at Portsmouth after stating that it was her intention to go abroad.
The learned Judge said: "The old law relating to the presumption of death is daily becoming more and more untenable.

For owing to the facility which travelling by steam affords, a person may be transported in a very short space of time from this country to the back woods of America, or to some other remote region where he may never heard of again."

In the case of In re Benjamin, Neville v. Benjamin (1902) 1 Ch.

723, a young man of 24 left Aixla-Chapelle for London on 15th September 1892.
He was not heard of again.

Advertisements were published in all the colonies and in other parts of the world.

On the 1st February, 1902 the Chancery Division presumed that he was dead.

That was ten years later.

The third case to which I have been referred is Chard v. Chard (1955) 3 All E.R.

721.

It was held that any presumption of continuance of life which there maybe is a presumption of fact and not of law.
Sachs J. said at 728: "My view is thus that in matters where no statute lays down an applicable rule, the issue whether a person is, or is not, to be presumed dead is, generally speaking, one of fact and not subject to a presumption of law.

To that there is an exception which can be assumed without affecting the present case.
By virtue of a long sequence of judicial statements, which either assert or assume such a rule, it appears accepted that there is a convenient presumption of law applicable to certain cases of seven years' absence where no statute applies.

That presumption in its modern shape takes effect (without examining its terms too exactly) substantially as follows.
Whereas regards "AB" there is no acceptable affirmative evidence that he was alive at sometime during a continuous period of seven years or more, then if it can be proved first, that there are persons who would be likely to have heard of him over that period, secondly, that those persons have not heard of him, and thirdly, that all due inquiries have been made appropriate to the circumstances.

"AB" will be presumed to have died at some time within that period.
(Such a presumption would, of course, be one of law and could not he one of fact.

because there can hardly be a logical inference from any particular set of facts that a man had not died within two thousand five hundred and fifty-five days but had died in two thousand five hundred and sixty.)"

I may mention one other case, that is re Mathews (1898) p. 17 where the death of a man then aged 73, who disappeared from his home at Chatham Road, Wandsworth was presumed three years later.
On the evidence available there can be no presumption either way.

I cannot in the circumstances give a direction to the magistrate to hold an inquest.

Although enquiries have established that Jones is no longer in Fiji, he may well be living elsewhere.

It may prove worthwhile extending the investigation to Singapore.

It should be possible to obtain further information as to Jones's social contacts during his sojourn there and his financial affairs.

Such enquiry may assist in solving a baffling mystery.
Application refused <<<<<< Ends >>>>> STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE FIJI POLICE FORCE ANNUAL REPORT 2018/2019 WRITTEN QUESTIONS 1.

In reference to the Annual Performance, what are the targeted levels for each outputs?

In view of Fiji Police Force (FPF) annual performance, there are five key strategic outputs, namely: a.

Quality customer service b.


Crime prevention and control c. Effective investigation, detection and prosecution d. Road safety e. Organizational effectiveness The FPF develops its Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) from these key strategic outputs which are used to measure FPF annual performance.
These KPIs are as follows: Outputs Output 1 Quality Customer Service Output 2 Crime Prevention & Control Output 3 Effective Intelligence, Investigation, Detection & Prosecutions Output 4 Road Safety Output 5 Organisational Effectiveness KPIs KPI 1: Reduce CAS & CAP A reduction of 50% from Targeted levels KPI 2: Reduce Overall Crime KPI 3: Reduce Serious Crime KPI 4: Reduce Crime Against Women KPI 5: Reduce Crime Against Children KPI 6: No.
of Drugs Cases Registered KPI 7:Maintain Detection Rate KPI 8: Maintain Successful Prosecution Rate KPI 9:Reduce Road Fatalities KPI 10:Keep within Budgetary Allocation previous FY A reduction of 10% from previous FY A reduction of 10% from previous FY A reduction of 10% from previous FY A reduction of 10% from previous FY An increase in number of drugs cases registered To achieve 70% or more annually To achieve 90% or more annually A reduction of 30% from previous FY Remain within budgetary allocation 2.
The Committee noted that there are 10 KPIs however KPI 9 is missing KPI 9 is on page 14 between clause h. and j. however, there has been a typo thus the heading for KPI 9 is missing (i. KPI 9: Keep within Budgetary Allocation).

3.

What were the outcomes of the International engagements attended by FPF officials (page 15)?

The outcomes of international engagements are: i.

Strengthening ties with other law enforcement agencies ii.
Increased cooperation, capacity and capability development in the form of aid, equipment, vehicles, training and technological innovation iii.

Compliance to international standards and best practices 4.

On page 18, what is the percentage increase in women participation from the previous report?
Financial Year Males 2017 - 2018 2018 - 2019 3,207 (77%) 3,524 (77%) Females 970 (23%) 1,056 (23%) Total 4,177 4,580 There has been a proportionate increase in the women participation rate within the FPF workforce.

5.

Page 34 on the Tailoring Unit – do they still tender for police uniforms?

Yes, the FPF still tenders for police uniforms with the United Apparel garment factory.

Only the Officers Uniforms are sewn at the FPF Tailoring Unit.

6.
6.

Page 36 – Operations Command Achievements – Table 33.0 on the Number of Meetings conducted – eastern division is not mentioned.

There were no meetings for Eastern Division thus it was not indicated.

Table 34.0 only Suva is listed.

Crime stoppers office is based in Suva (Totogo precincts).

Thus the activities undertaken by the office staff for the unit is detailed under Operations in the Annual Report.

Table 35.0 only crime stoppers team bonding/gathering is listed – please explain.
Crime stoppers office is based in Suva (Totogo precincts).

Thus the activities for the unit is detailed under Director Operations in the Annual Report.

The other units have their own team bonding activities – some who have reflected this in their reports have been duly captured in the AR2018-19.

7.

What is the urgency of escorting a funeral processions during heavy traffics (page 53)?

There is no urgency, a directive has been issued by the Commissioner of Police to cease all funeral escorts.

8.
8.

What is the state of dedicated police vehicles and the need to maintain all these garages (page 53)?
Fiji Police Vehicle Status as at end of 2018/2019 FY Baseline Establishment [Excluding Maxus] 465 Total Leased Vehicle in the Fiji Police Force 305 Police Owned Vehicle (Govt) [Operation] 35 Police Owned Maxus Vehicles 45 Total Police Owned 80 385 Total in Operation The large fleet within the FPF spread over all the divisions warrants decentralization of the dedicated garages to keep the police vehicles well maintained to ensure smooth service delivery at the front line.

9.
9.

What is the position of the Force with regards to deaths on the high seas and lives lost at sea?

What are the provisions and amendments to the law?

The FPF deals with such cases based on the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Fiji signed the Convention on the day that it was opened for signature, 10 December 1982, at Montego Bay, Jamaica.

The Convention entered into force for Fiji on 16 November 1994.

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea PART VII.
HIGH SEAS HIGH SEAS meaning all parts of the sea that are not included in the exclusive economic zone, in the territorial sea or in the internal waters of a State, or in the archipelagic waters of an archipelagic State.

This article does not entail any abridgement of the freedoms enjoyed by all States in the exclusive economic zone.

Article 94 Duties of the flag State 7.


Each State shall cause an inquiry to be held by or before a suitably qualified person or persons into every marine casualty or incident of navigation on the high seas involving a ship flying its flag and causing loss of life or serious injury to nationals of another State or serious damage to ships or installations of another State or to the marine environment.
The flag State and the other State shall cooperate in the conduct of any inquiry held by that other State into any such marine casualty or incident of navigation.

Article 27 Criminal jurisdiction on board a foreign ship 1.
The criminal jurisdiction of the coastal State should not be exercised on board a foreign ship passing through the territorial sea to arrest any person or to conduct any investigation in connection with any crime committed on board the ship during its passage, save only in the following cases: (a) if the consequences of the crime extend to the coastal State; (b) if the crime is of a kind to disturb the peace of the country or the good order of the territorial sea; (c) if the assistance of the local authorities has been requested by the master of the ship or by a diplomatic agent or consular officer of the flag State; or (d) if such measures are necessary for the suppression of illicit traffic in narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances.
2.

The above provisions do not affect the right of the coastal State to take any steps authorized by its laws for the purpose of an arrest or investigation on board a foreign ship passing through the territorial sea after leaving internal waters.

3.
3.

In the cases provided for in paragraphs 1 and 2, the coastal State shall, if the master so requests, notify a diplomatic agent or consular officer of the flag State before taking any steps, and shall facilitate contact between such agent or officer and the ship's crew.

In cases of emergency this notification may be communicated while the measures are being taken.

4.
4.

In considering whether or in what manner an arrest should be made, the local authorities shall have due regard to the interests of navigation.

5.
5.

Except as provided in Part XII or with respect to violations of laws and regulations adopted in accordance with Part V, the coastal State may not take any steps on board a foreign ship passing through the territorial sea to arrest any person or to conduct any investigation in connection with any crime committed before the ship entered the territorial sea, if the ship, proceeding from a foreign port.

10.
10.

The Committee notes the increase in crimes against Women by 0.2 percent mostly reported cases from the Eastern Division.

What has been done to eradicate or reduce such crimes?

As outlined in pages 44 – 45, the community policing efforts were enhanced in the Eastern Division to address the growing concerns on crimes against women, children and social issues.

11.

Since the establishment of the Fiji Detector Dog Unit Structure in 2019, a total cost of $116,473,062 worth of drugs were seized.
What happens to the drugs after the case has been dealt with by the Courts?

Applications are made to the Courts to destroy these exhibits.

12.

The Committee notes the number of officers serving in UN Missions.

Does the Force have certified counsellors for post-traumatic stress disorder within the Force?

If not, is it planning to consider having this services in place?
Yes, now we do have a qualified counsellor who conducts counselling for members of the force including those going and returning from UN Missions.

13.

Apart from line of sight, what other information systems assist in traffic controls during peak hours?

RT with ear piece are gadgets used during peak hours for controlling traffic from the traffic control center.

14.

Please clarify the rationale behind the current security motorcade for VVIPs.
It is part of the security detailing required for close protection of such VVIPs.

15.

What is the status of the digitization of criminal records and fingerprints (page 8)?

The project is ongoing and subject to budgetary provisions/aid.

SDG-Related Questions 16.


Regarding SDG Target 16.1 (Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere with specifics to SDG Indicator 16.1.4), the Committee notes that the Force is committed in creating a safe and secure Fiji in accordance with best practices, standards and technological innovations and the Committee takes note of the overall performance of the Force in terms of its 10 KPIs.

a.
a.

Can such initiatives/programs in eradicating physical violence, psychological violence and sexual violence?

the budget the Force allocated indicate for It is not allocated specific to such programmes.

b.

Can the Force provide disaggregated data (males and females) on reported cases relating specifically to physical violence, psychological violence and sexual violence?
Disaggregated data on Victims Offence Type Sexual Offences Female Male Assault-related Offences Female Male Total Financial Year(s) Y17-18 1,256 1,101 155 5,473 2,747 2,726 6,729 Y18-19 1,155 996 159 5,326 2,684 2,642 6,481 The table above shows the sexual and physical crime by victim’s gender over the 2019-2020 financial year in comparison to the previous financial year.
The 2019- 2020 financial year recorded 90% female and 10% male victims of sexual crime and 53% female and 46% male victims of all assault-related crime for the same reporting period.

Independent Auditor’s Report 17.

What were the causes/reasons for the weak procurement controls (page 3)?

a) Unreconciled variance of $217,930 exists between the Police Clearance revenue records maintained by the Force Criminal Records unit and the revenue recorded in the FMIS general ledger.
This arose from the incorrect allocation used by the revenue collectors while receipting the money.

b) The Force did not include as part of the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure in the Financial Statements the Fiji Police Force Band Trust Fund Account receipts amounting to $88,820 and payments amounting to $43,216 for the year ended 31 July 2019.

The Force Band account transactions were still not recorded in the FMIS general ledger despite being highlighted in the 2018 audit report.
On the 31st July 2020, a cheque has been issued from the FPF Band Trust Fund Account amounting $120,000.00 and receipted to the general revenue (Rev 10- 1).

18.

The Office of the Auditor General reported that there were weak procurement processes, stores and payroll.

What are some actions taken by the Fiji Police Force to address these shortfalls?

a.

The FPF has contracts in place which guides the Stores Unit to procure items as per awarded tender.
Furthermore, all process is channeled through FFP Management delegated approval authorities and any purchases made are verified prior to any approval granted; b. Reconciliation is currently conducted between our monthly quarters return and the payroll.

This is to verify if the officers staying in the quarters are receiving the Lodging Allowance at the same time.

Over payment of Lodging Allowance will be ceased and recovery made from the concerned officer.

19.
19.

Please explain the 2 basis of Qualified Opinions identified by the Auditors on page 3. a. Unreconciled variance of $217,930 exists between the Police Clearance revenue records maintained by the Force Criminal Records unit and the revenue recorded in the FMIS general ledger.

This arose from the incorrect allocation used by the revenue collectors while receipting the money.

b.
b.

The Force did not include as part of the Statement of Receipts and Expenditure in the Financial Statements the Fiji Police Force Band Trust Fund Account receipts amounting to $88,820 and payments amounting to $43,216 for the year ended 31 July 2019.

The Force Band account transactions were still not recorded in the FMIS general ledger despite being highlighted in the 2018 audit report.
On the 31st July 2020, a cheque has been issued from the FPF Band Trust Fund Account amounting $120,000.00 and receipted to the general revenue (Rev 10- 1).

20.

What could be the reason for the unreconciled variance and where is this money recorded?

a.

The unreconciled variance resulted from the money received by various revenue collectors from the divisions and has been receipted to an in- correct revenue allocations.
Examples- Accident report, Disclosure report and payment of overseas bond were receipted into Police Clearance revenue instead of general revenue (Rev 10-1).

b.

The money is recorded in the Police Clearance revenue allocation.

21.

Page 81 (e) – What kind of secure communication equipment does the Police have?

Given the operational need, the Fiji Police Force in its major communication networking is utilizing Motorola Hand Held RT’s, Base Radio’s and Vehicle Radio which is state of art.
One of the core functions of Fiji Police Force is to assist the Fijian Government during natural disasters whereby it has to mobilize effectively and efficiently in order to facilitate the necessary operations of the Police and thus it needs a dedicated and the best Communication Equipment’s and Repeater sites available even during disasters.
With the procurement of Motorola RT’s and its accessories in the previous years, the outcome of service delivery has been a morale booster both for the Fiji Police Force and associated Agencies that had utilized the Motorola Communication Equipment’s in the given Natural Disasters and current COVID-19 pandemic.

22.

Page 82 (d): Clarify whether the funds for the renovation works for the Western Division have been released?

No.

A cabinet paper was drafted amounting to $52.8 Million and forwarded to Hon.
MoD and we are awaiting for Cabinet Decision on this.

23.

Please clarify the virements approval on page 83.

Ministry of Economy approved the following Virements during the year 2019: The Commissioner of Police approved the following Virements under the delegation Authority from the Minister of Economy during the year 2019: 24.

Can the Force confirm the following have been purchased: a.
Generators for Forensic Science Laboratory No generator was procured due to non-compliance of vendors to technical specifications.

FPF had requested for roll-over of project; however, no funding was allocated in the next Financial Year.
FPF in Financial Year 2022/2023 has again Virement #FromAmount($)ToAmount($)RemarksV20001SEG 999,549SEG 999,549To supplement the Standard Equipment allocation for the procurement of 5,500 quantity Pepper Spray.V20002SEG 11,396,225SEG 131,396,225To meet the Phase 1 Vat Output on the Fringe Benefit Tax payment to FRCS which has been outstanding from 2012-2018.
V20003SEG 11,203,911SEG 131,203,911To meet the Phase 2 Vat Output on the Fringe Benefit Tax payment to FRCS which has been outstanding from 2012-2018.SEG 17,909,033SEG 2168,672To regularize the negative/over expenditure GL balance in SEG 1.
This is due to the fact that the Government payroll cost center is not aligned to our P2P and cash flow.V20004SEG 18,08,005Virement #FromAmount($)ToAmount($)RemarksSEG 4800,000SEG 560,000SEG 730,000SEG 4267,000SEG 5207,000SEG 7150,000SEG 3200,000SEG 4281,775SEG 549,000DV2002SEG 5624,000DV2003SEG 5530,775DV2001SEG 1890,000To deploy and supplement funds to critical allocations in effectively and efficiently executing daily Police Operations.To deploy and supplement funds to critical allocations in effectively and efficiently executing daily Police Operations.To deploy and supplement funds to critical allocations in effectively and efficiently executing daily Police Operations.
sought funding of generator for Forensic Science Services Building or with the possibility of seeking donor organizations to fund the purchase.

b.

Quality Assurance for Bio and DNA Consumables and maintenance of equipment is a necessity for the Forensic Sciences as they process specimens that are tendered in court as evidence.
As noted on page 10 of the AFS there has been a reduction in the budgetary allocation in this regards and the Forensic Science Services (FSS) Division has been faced with challenges in getting procurement approvals for the maintenance (includes calibration and repairs/servicing of the machines inner workings) as well as the consumables that are required to carry out day to day processes required of the unit.
The technicians and suppliers of these consumables are from an overseas based company (Thermo Fisher Scientific Australia Pty Ltd).
STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE [ Verbatim Report of Meeting ] HELD A T THE BIG COMMITTEE ROOM ( EAST WING) ON TU E SD AY, TH 14 JUNE , 20 2 2 VERBATIM REPORT OF THE MEETING OF THE STANDING COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND DEFENCE HELD AT THE BIG COMMITTEE ROOM (EAST WING), PARLIAMENT PRECINCTS, GOVERNMENT BUILDINGS, ON TUESDAY, 14TH JUNE, 2022 AT 9.30 A.M. Interviewee/Submittee: Fiji Police Force In Attendance: 1.
Mr. Aporosa Lutunauga - Assistant Commissioner Strategic Planning and Internal Affairs 2.

Mr. Harpreet Singh 3.

Ms. Manaini Mills - Principal Accounts Officer 4.


Mr. Pauliasi Colamoto - Chief Financial Officer - Acting Director Strategic Planning ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- Good morning, honourable Members, members of the public, the secretariat, ladies and gentlemen; a very good morning to you all and it is a pleasure to welcome everyone, especially the viewers who are watching this session today.
At the outset, for your information, pursuant to Standing Order 111 of the Standing Orders of Parliament, all Committee meetings are to be open to the public.

Therefore, please, note that this submission is open to the public and media, and is also being streamed live on Parliament website and social media online platforms, and the Parliament channel on the Walesi platform.
For any sensitive information concerning the matter before us this morning that cannot be disclosed in public, it can be provided to the Committee either in private or in writing.

However, please, be advised that pursuant to Standing Order 111(2) there are only a few specific circumstances that allow for nondisclosure and these include – 1.

2.

3.
2.

3.

4. national security matters; third party confidential information; personnel or human resource matters; and Committee deliberation and development of Committee recommendation on reports.

I wish to remind honourable Members and our guests that all questions to be asked are to be addressed through the Chair.

This is a parliamentary meeting and all information gathered is covered under the Parliamentary Powers and Privileges Act.
Please, bear in mind that we do not condone slander or libel of any sort, and any information brought before this Committee should be based on facts.

In terms of the protocol of this Committee meeting, please, minimise the usage of mobile phones and all mobile phones are to be on silent mode while the meeting is in progress.

I would like, at this time, to introduce the Members of my Committee.

(Introduction of Committee Members and Secretariat) … (inaudible) Fiji Police Force Annual Report is all about.
The Report captures the S/C on Foreign Affairs & Defence Interview with FPF Officials Tuesday, 14th June, 2022 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- organisational performance over the above fiscal year.

It gives an insight into the overall 2. achievements, summary of crimes statistics and audited financial statement for the period under review.
Before us we have the Assistant Commissioner of Police – Strategic Planning and Internal Affairs, Mr. Aporosa Lutunauga.

Sir, please introduce yourself and your team members.

Then you may begin with your submission, after which there will be a question and answer session.

Please, also note that for any questions by the Members of the Committee, there may be interjections or we will wait until the end of your presentation for the Committee to ask questions.
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you very much, Deputy Chairperson.

Bula re.

(Introduction of the Fiji Police Force Team) MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- First and a foremost, please, allow me to convey the apologies of the Commissioner of Police who is held up at Police Headquarters to do some work commitments.

However, we are here today and I believe that we have submitted our written responses to this Committee.
We are here to answer any other queries that you may have in regards to the questions that have been raised towards the FPF in regards to the Annual Report that is in review now.

I believe that we have answered the queries from the Committee and our presence today is just to clear any clarifications you may have.

That is why I brought our team today, to come and answer your queries or provide clarifications on any issue that you may raise this morning.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- We did receive your responses and I think our Members have gone through them.

We do have some supplementary questions, to seek clarifications on those issues.

So, I think this will give us more time to really understand those issues which were not very clear to us.

Without taking much time I will open the floor for supplementary questions from our Members.

HON.

P.W.

VOSANIBOLA.- Deputy Chairperson, through you, in regards to Question No.

10, death in high seas.


Thank you so much for providing us with information on the UN Convention on High Seas.

The gist of the question was merely our local legal requirement that anyone who dies in high seas, the family has to wait for a period of five to seven years in order for the person to be confirmed dead and make claims.
The supplementary question is, do you have any review on this piece of legislation or any amendment or plans to be submitted through regarding that waiting period of seven years to shorten it?
S/C on Foreign Affairs & Defence Interview with FPF Officials Tuesday, 14th June, 2022 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Firstly, the legislation provides for seven years for someone to be declared dead in high seas.

That is what the legislation states.

For us, we just enforce that law.


If there is a review, it has to come through the legislations but we only enforce the law, as far as the law is concerned.

I know seven years is a very long time but that is what the legislation states.

So, if there is a review to be done it will not be done by us, it will be done by the legislators.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- But since you have implemented that legislation, can that not be initiated through your Department?
Can you not, through the Commissioner Police, initiate the review process?

3.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- If it is being raised by this Committee, we will take that up and we will discuss with the Commissioner of Police and perhaps, we will find the way forward in regards to the concerns that have been raised by the Committee this morning.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- As you understand seven years is long and if someone passes away, the family is already under very big stress financially, socially and mentally, but that might help families if it is shortened.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, we will certainly take that on board and we will go back and discuss with our Executive on the best way forward in regards to the concerns raised by the Committee.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- We can move to another question.

HON.

L.S.
HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Just to give you a heads up, my comments are going to be based on what the future plans are.

I know we are looking at an Annual Report that is three years old and I am sure that the FPF has moved on since.

My question is in terms of Question No.

11 about the increase in crime against women by 0.2 percent, mostly from the Eastern Division.

I know you have answered the question but my supplementary question is in terms of the response.
We have had COVID since this Annual Report was put out and we all know that domestic violence numbers went through the roof with perpetrator and victim being locked up together.

What is the plan or response by the FPF in terms of crimes against women, girls and children in the future in case we have another lockdown?

What has the FPF done?

What has the FPF learnt in the last couple of years?
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Certainly, the FPF has learned a lot through the COVID period that we had gone through, especially when we talk about crime against women and children.

However, there are strategies in place by the FPF to try and mitigate the issues regarding crimes against women and children, especially during emergency times such as natural disasters where we have evacuation centres.
Some of the S/C on Foreign Affairs & Defence Interview with FPF Officials Tuesday, 14th June, 2022 ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- strategies that we have put into place is that, we place officers in evacuation centres just to ensure that people are being monitored by the police officers during natural disasters.
But for COVID-19 when there were lockdowns, we tried our best to confine ourselves and looked after places that had been cordoned off.

So, really, it is within the family setting that this has happened, which is beyond our reach.

However, through our Community Policing arm we have managed to create awareness.

Certainly, Deputy Chairperson, we have moved on from 2018.

There is a lot of initiatives that have been implemented and conducted by the FPF.
We have a special Key Performance Indicator (KPI) on Crime against Women and Children.

That shows how we prioritise crimes against women and children.

We have our own Sexual Offences Unit in the Fiji Police Force and it has been decentralised in all the major Divisions.

We have our officers who are trained and our integration with other stakeholders, specifically in addressing crime against women.
Those are some of the initiatives and it is explained in this Report how we have tried to mitigate issues that have come out, especially in the Eastern Division, as correctly stated.

But this was in 2018 and we continue to build from there, so we have improved on that in the last two years.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Deputy Chairperson, through you, I have another supplementary question.

You mentioned Sexual Offences Unit.

I just wanted to know how well equipped your Sexual Offences Units are?
I understand that the Sexual Offences Unit around Police Stations are supposed to have a safe area for children.

Women who are presenting at Police Stations, a lot of times, bring their children with them after having faced domestic violence.

How well equipped or not well equipped are your Units?

Are they safe for children, is it an atmosphere that children would feel safe in?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Certainly, our Sexual Offence is located apart from our normal charge room where people come in and report.
They are in an environment which is based on a safe house.

We have that in the Central Police Station, we have one in the Western Division, Northern Division and in the Eastern Division.

They are separated from the normal environment of people coming in.

It is just specifically for children and women.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Last one, Deputy Chairperson.

In case of someone presenting at Valelevu, for example, there is nothing safer in Valelevu, so they have to come to Totogo to be separated safely?
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Yes, they will be brought to Totogo.

HON.

S. ADIMAITOGA.- Through you, Mr. Chairman, with reference to the annual performance that you have responded to, could you elaborate further on the effective investigation prosecution.

How effective are you?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- We have five outputs that FPF is responsible for and one of them is Effective Intelligence Investigation and Prosecution.

This basically covers our Intelligence Unit, our Investigation and our Prosecution.
If you look at the investigation component, our detection rate is 69 percent and the reduction in crime – our KPI, as you can see in the Report, we have reduced crime.

That is how effective our investigation is because of the functions of the Units that we have, as far as CID is concerned.

We have all these various Units and it is being reflected in our KPI.

With the exception of crime against women which has increased by 0.2 percent, all other serious crimes were reduced.

HON.
HON.

S. ADIMAITOGA.- Deputy Chairperson, a supplementary question; you have stated 69 percent.

What is your plan for the future?

Because this was the last report, how effective is your plan after 2019?

Page 29 of 41 MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

Our target is 70 percent to meet our detection rate and we have plans in place and that includes; capacity building for our CID, training programmes and we have brought in video recordings interview.
Those are some of the initiatives that will assist us in order to achieve the 70 percent target and we are thankful to Government for providing the support, as far as our forensic is concerned, that will assist us.

We are currently working with the New Zealand Police in enhancing our K9 capability.

These are all our capabilities that will assist us in addressing or achieving the target, as far as investigation and detection is concerned.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- I am just thinking, why the target is set at 70 percent and why not 100 percent?

My thinking is that, all crime should be investigated and detected.

What happens to the 30 percent that you have filed?

My thinking is, if you achieved 69 percent, then next year you increase your target to 80 percent, the following year 85 percent, then 90 percent so that one day, you will reach 100 percent.

Why are you stuck at 70 percent?


MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- For your information, Deputy Chairperson, the KPI was set by Government in 2018 during the Peoples Charter.

That was when our targets were set.

It was determined by the people.

Lately, our detection rate is above 70 percent and we are working towards that.

But as you have rightly stated, it should be 100 percent but we are trying our best.

HON.

P.W.

VOSANIBOLA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

This is on Question No.


3 regarding international engagement.

As we all know, the UN always provide a quota for our members of the Force in order for us to train our officers to meet their requirements.

From the ongoing provision of our officers to those international duties, are we able to sustain or meet those quota within your institution in providing training for officers as of now?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Sir, yes, the FPF is able to maintain that.
We have a specific unit which is called the Humanitarian Emergency Support Unit (HESU) which looks after our men and we do special training for them to be deployed on overseas missions.

Currently, we have missions in South Sudan, Syria, Sinai and Abyei - those are our Mission areas.

Lately, there is an increase in the participation of women in the Mission areas.

We are trying to meet the quota but we are meeting the quotas – the numbers that they have provided to the Fiji Police.
We are able to meet it because we have our training and our special unit that looks after that.

Currently, for the past two weeks, they have been conducting driving tests for those who are intending to go to the Mission.

If they pass that, then they will wait for selection on deployment to overseas Missions.

But certainly we have met the quota and specifically there is an increase in our women participation in peacekeeping.

Page 30 of 41 Our last deployment to South Sudan consist of 70 percent women.
We are currently there now and, of course, as you, the position of Commissioner of Police was one of our very own women, Unaisi Vuniwaqa, who is now in New York.

So that is the benchmark that we have set ourselves and we are working towards that in trying to encourage our women to take part in the test so that they can qualify to be deployed to overseas Missions.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- How do you attract women into the Force?

What are the studies on the ground?


For example, people leaving high school go to university so at what level are you trying to get women to join the Force and what are your initiatives on the ground locally?

Are you going to schools to promote this career to people to join the FPF?

Many people, especially young people, are frightened of the police and your uniform.

In their mind, there is fear so everyone wants to become a teacher, doctor, et cetera.
If you want to become a policewoman, what what would be your entry level?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

Our Fiji Police Academy conducts career sessions in schools or participate in career expo.

During those programmes, they encourage women and our organisation is open but the criteria is equal.

It is a pass in Form 6, you must have a driving licence and you must be physically fit.

It has been fair on both the gender.


Obviously, we have encouraged women and school children through those programmes, Community Policing Programmes, and as we are a developing society, people are beginning to see what the Police Force is about and they are changing their perception now.

As you have rightly stated, their perception when you mention the word ‘police’ is on the other side.
So, we are working towards that through our Community Policing Programme and our Policing in School Programme in order to try and change that perception and encourage more women to come into the Police Force.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Deputy Chairperson, just in terms of human resource and recruitment, do you perform psychological evaluations on new recruits, is that part of recruitment?
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, yes, last year or two years ago, we got our psychologist who is now part of the recruitment programme and visiting and conducting counselling sessions to individuals across the FPF.

Yes, they definitely have to undergo that test with the psychologist.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Deputy Chairperson, it is just because I had this amazing experience in Labasa, as you probably know, with a police officer assaulting a bus driver.
That was one of my questions to the inspector in Labasa, and he said to me, “I tell these young people, if you know you have a short fuse, do not join the Police Force”.

I actually told him to ask his officers to look at the COVID-19 protest that happened in New Zealand, Melbourne and the UK, and see how stoic the police officers were when people were pointing at their faces.
I think we have not got into that point in our society, Page 31 of 41 but I really think that is such an important part of human resource and recruitment.

What gender is your psychiatrist?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, he is a male.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- What about the women police officers who need counselling, should there not be someone of the same sex?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Yes, we are working towards that.

We are currently building that unit, the Psychiatric Unit.
We are developing and extending it with the inclusion of women.

We have women in the Force who have been qualified but they are police officers.

So we are slowly working with our psychologist to try to rope them in and to be used, especially in the Unit in Suva and then later move onto other Divisions.

Certainly, we have the ladies.


DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- So building the capacity within the FPF for counselling and mental issues, et cetera, what kind of collaboration do you have with the Ministry of Health and Medical Services for mental health services, do they support you, or are there any efforts to build your collaboration?

They are an expert in this area.


MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, we have our MOUs with Medical Services Pacific and they provide counselling, especially when you come to crime against women and children.

They are taken through our MOU with them, they provide that and also we provide training as far as counselling is concerned.

But, definitely, we are working in collaboration with other medical services.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- What about the Ministry of Health and Medical Services specifically, especially the mental health institutions and psychiatrists?

They are specialists working in the area of mental health.

Are they also supporting the Police, or they are not working together?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- We are working together, Deputy Chairperson, and we are planning into the future to build that capacity up.
We have allocated an office for them at Totogo and then we are intending to build that up in collaboration with other stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health and Medical Services.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- The reason we are asking and emphasising this is because we see that there is a great need for capacity in mental health counselling, like what the honourable Qereqeretabua said.
Not only that incident, but there are many incidences where the FPF really need their capacity within for their own good and image building.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

If I may, just to remind this Page 32 of 41 Committee that the FPF is currently undergoing restructure and reform, that is part of our reform and restructure – the various units that the Committee is raising, which is going through the second phase now.
There is another three phases of our restructure in which it will address all those issues that the Committee is raising this morning.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.

It is about that CCTV.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

Sirs and Madam, Question No.

12 about the Fiji Detector Dog Unit structure in 2019, the Annual Report says $116 million plus worth of drugs were seized.

The question was, what happens to the drugs after the cases have been dealt with by the courts?
The reply from the officers was that the magistrate or the judge orders it to be destroyed.

I do not know, but who are the witnesses to the destruction of drugs?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you.

We have the court clerks, the court officials and with our police officers, they witness the destruction of this in the incinerator.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- And this is the incinerator at Walu Bay, is that right, Sir?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Yes.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Is anyone from the media present at all?
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- No.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- My next question is on the CCTV surveillance of the Police Exhibit Rooms or evidence rooms, as we have had some cases of drugs walking.

Can you just give us an update of CCTV cameras being placed in evidence rooms, please?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

As I have stated, the FPF is undergoing restructure and reform and in our pursuit for that.
We are modernising the Force through technological advancements, and part of that is the CCTV cameras, not only on the streets but within our institutions.

In major police stations, in our secured rooms, we have CCTV cameras which are then hooked up to our main Command Centre in Suva.

For example, if you go to the Command Centre in Totogo, everything is in there seen on CCTV and they are monitored on a 24/7 basis.
So is Labasa, Nausori, Lautoka, it is based on the CCTV at strategic locations where you know there is a risk, especially when you are talking about exhibits.

But we have those CCTV cameras covering those areas and we are strongly investing in that with our local partners.

Page 33 of 41 DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- Does the CCTV camera also capture some of the black spots in the city or not?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Yes, Deputy Chairperson, from the end of the city, right to Walu Bay, they are all covered.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- You can see from the … MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- We can all see from our main Command Centre.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- I was at Mongolia where the entire city is covered with CCTV cameras and there is a special police unit which is established from where they really do the surveillance, not from the police station but special stations.

If someone is throwing garbage, they will straightaway catch the car number and every time.

Response is so quick.


MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- We have that Deputy Chairperson.

At Totogo, we can see Nabua, we can see Shop N Save, we can see Nausori Town, we can see Nadi Airport, so I will invite the Committee to come down to Totogo and then see what we are doing as far as CCTV cameras.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- That also came to my mind because if the CCTV camera is very effective, you can also use that to view the people who drive cars and taxis at night at particular spots, et cetera, because that is the big problem.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, it is one of our strategies working with our stakeholders, the business owners, all municipalities and towns.

They provide their own CCTV but it is linked to our Command Centre.
If you remember a case in Nausori where a boy jumped over the bridge.

It was through the CCTV that identified that he had jumped over the bridge.

He went missing from Wainibokasi.

So it is effective using a CCTV and we are pursuing that not only in Suva but also at our Command Centre in Labasa that can see the whole of Labasa Town.

HON.

S. ADIMAITOGA.- Through you, Deputy Chairperson, going back to Question No.
17, your answer was unreconciled variance of $217,930 exits between the Police Clearance revenue maintained by the Force Criminal Records Unit and the revenue recorded in the FMIS general ledger.

You have stated that this arose from the incorrect allocation used by revenue collectors while receipting the money.

My question is, did you conduct a thorough check on this?

I mean, the one who sent it and the one who received it, did they reconcile with the response that you made?
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

I will request our Principal Accounts Officer to answer that.

Page 34 of 41 MS. M. MILLS.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

Yes, we have a team that went through this unreconciled variance between 2018 and 2019.

The allocation that used is the Police Clearance Allocation instead of the report that they are receiving, but it was the error from our side.
The Clerk was new to that job, she just posted whatever had been summarised with the Excel which was provided.

HON.

S. ADIMAITOGA.- Another question, through you, Deputy Chairperson, you have your accountants to check on those but did they do a thorough check on that?

I am not satisfied with the answer that you have made.

What have you planned for the future and betterment of this….(inaudible)?

MS. M. MILLS.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.


We have a taskforce team that has gone down to the Forensic Unit to verify all our records for the ones that had debt variances and identified where the error is.

HON.

S. ADMAITOGA.- You said for them to identify so ones it is identified, what is your next step to that?

As an Accountant, once you check, you will go back to the beginning of this money that have been sent, received and all those things.
But then I am not satisfied because since you are the Accountant, do you have any plans to better that issue?

MS. M. MILLS.- Deputy Chairperson, yes, we have a manual register that has been allocated in order for us to enter all the Police Clearance that has been received in the stations.

Also, the allocations that have been entered into the individual receipts to reconcile with the money that has been receipted or done by the Revenue Collectors.
With missed allocation, we have informed the Auditor-Generals if that could be addressed.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, if I may, based on this, this was in 2013.

The Force has established an internal audit unit, specifically to look at this.

As a result of that, we have an internal audit that will constantly monitor our accounts on a monthly basis.

That is the response strategy that we have done, as a result of the misallocation.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- This take us into a sensitive area so, please, do not take it personally but for improvement.

What I have seen is that the FPF has a very different role from other countries, other than like they are trying to educate people, and their approach is like showing the public a very caring approach.

For example, sometimes they take the elderly by hand and help them cross the road helping the school children.

Here in Fiji is happening but not as much as it should be visible.
One thing that has been brought to the attention of the Committee here in Fiji is traffic control.

What we have found is that the Police is really hiding in certain places, such as behind trees, at the corner and then suddenly jump on to the road with their speedometer.

So, there is a risk both, to the Page 35 of 41 Policeman where someone was saying that they did not stop, they just went away, but also whether there is a provision in the law to do that, like hiding behind trees to capture the drivers.
What is the motive of that, can you, please, explain?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, I think it is just the way they conduct their operation.

It is not mandated by law for them to hide behind the trees but the FPF is working hard on that, as far as training is concerned, to try to uplift the professionalism of our officers.

We are working towards that through training and awareness within the organisation, specifically for our traffic officers.
Certainly we have taken your concerns on board and we will try to go back and to ensure that our Police Officers remain professional in conducting their work.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- Revenue generated through fines, et cetera, does it go to the Government Consolidated Account or it goes to a particular agency to support the activities?

Where does revenue from the fines and infringement that you collect go?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- It goes to Land Transport Authority.
DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- So it goes to LTA to increase their budget?

Is there any target set per day or month to generate that income?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- For us, no, we do not set targets on the amount of money that we should raise.

We just enforce traffic laws on the road.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- Alright, so no target set for that.
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- We have our target but it is the reduction of road fatalities, not their money or not generating income but it is just for the reduction of road fatalities by 30 percent.

HON.

P.W.

VOSANIBOLA.- Deputy Chairperson, through you, with regard to Question No.

14, seeking further clarification on the rationale behind the security motorcade for VIPs, I think we have our experience as members of the public regarding VIPs who travel through during the busy period.
Perhaps, the FPF has learnt from past exercises in order to let the traffic not interfere with the motorcade.

Can you just elaborate on your future plan regarding that?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- As far as our VIPs is concerned, there are certain protocols that we have to accord to this, especially when they are from overseas and their safety and security is of great importance to us.
We understand that it may cause a bit of frustration on the members of the public, but we plead with the public to bear with us because there are certain protocols and we have to ensure that their Page 36 of 41 safety and security is not compromised, hence the escort.

It is not a decoration, it is there to provide security for the VIP so that he/she comes into the country and then he/she leaves without any incident happening.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- I leave that from there, thank you Sir.
Deputy Chairperson, through you, I just wanted us to move to Human Resources (HR) within the FPF.

I wanted to ask something about the pay increment.

I understand in 2017, Budget called for an increase of about 7 percent for the Disciplined Forces.

As I understand it and I stand to be corrected, our Fiji Corrections Service and the Republic of the Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) received their increment immediately, but I think increment for the FPF was delayed.
Can you say whether I am right or wrong and what has been done?

As I understand it, you have to pass RFL to even get an increment.

Is that right?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, I understand we are talking about the Job Evaluation Exercise (JEE), of course, you have rightly stated that both those organisations have got theirs.

The FPF was spread out but the fact is that, it has been paid.

Everyone has been paid the JEE that is owed to them, including those who have retired.
We had a taskforce - team that worked with us and ensured that everyone who was eligible for that JEE has been paid because it was backdated for about 10 years, but it has been settled.

HON.

L.S.

QEREQERETABUA.- Thank you for clarifying that, Sir.

Still on the topic of HR, I remember a couple of years Parliament was asking the Ministry of Defence about the number of officers, in particular at the RFMF Engineering Corp that were way over the age of retirement and why they were still employed there.
What about the FPF, how many officers are still being retained by the Force over a number of years past retirement age and what is the cause of that?

Are you up to date with earmarking officers to take over those positions?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

As far as our officers that they have passed the age of 55, we have contracted a few based on their experience and expertise on that particular position and there are not many, especially in specialised positions.
Those are the only positions that have been contracted on a one-year basis, so as to allow us to capacity-build people.

We have a very young Force and we are moving fast now.

It is increasing but, yes, it is not many but basically, it is the executive level that needs to pass on the experience as far as capacity building of our young officers is concerned.

Page 37 of 41 DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- I have a question, you had a very good initiative, such as involving communities in preventing crime, et cetera.
Through that, you have the Duavata Policy.

I would just like to know whether you have done any assessment to see the impact of those programmes?

What are some of the challenges you face in involving the community because for drug crimes, that might be a very good initiative to fight against illicit drugs?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.

Please, allow me to elaborate on DUAVATA.


DUAVATA Community Policing is an acronym which basically means, Drawing Unity Amongst Various Agencies Through Acceptance.

That is the concept or model that was developed locally and to some extent, we work with other Government agencies and other NGOs in our fight against crime.
The Police have accepted that it is not our fight alone, it is everyone’s responsibility, hence we have adopted that model which is a local model of DUAVATA - that crime is everyone’s responsibility.

Sir, for results, yes, the KPIs have spoken for itself.

We have managed to reduce crime.

Overall offence, we have reduced in this particular year with only the exception of crime against women and children, so that is the result of our community policing programme.
Lately, if you recall our operations team was in Kadavu.

They were conducting the DUAVATA Community Policing Programme and as a result of that, there was a case of sexual assault by a teacher which came up after the DUAVATA Community Policing.

So it is giving us the result that we want but we still we need the support of the people to assist us in this battle against crime through DUAVATA Community Policing.

We have done a review on that when we were conducting our policing symposium.
We had it in the Eastern and Northern Divisions, and that was where we reviewed our performance as far as DUAVATA is concerned.

We have appointed Community Coordinators in the Divisions.

We have one in the West, South, East and North, so those are the community components of the DUAVATA.

Definitely, yes, we have reviewed, restructured and we are now moving with our plan.

Those are the current strategies that we have in place as far as community policing is concerned.
As part of the restructure and reform, the Commissioner of Police has approved and we are going to move 860 men over to community posts.

We are now going to take back the community post to be fully pledged with the manpower of 12 in one community post.

You may see now that in a community post, there is only one or two officers but our mid-review of the restructure, the Commissioner of Police has approved that.
We are now going to focus on community policing and we are going to push out 860 men into community posts so that when we are in community posts, we are then able to create partnership with the members of the community.

So, yes, FPF is committed to work with the community in order for us to provide safety and security.

Page 38 of 41 DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- It is very good to hear.
I also think that when manpower is increased, they need support, like transport, et cetera, for them to get into the community and do the work.

Otherwise, they will sit in the community post.

Before, we could see Police Officers in the community.

They would visit, like district matters in the community.

I could see that myself when I was a young child in the village but nowadays, we hardly see a Police Officer going into the community.

Only when there is a crime, then they go.


Sometimes, it is good for Police to go and have talanoa with the people, attend some functions becasue their presence is very important.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson, that is where we are going now.

As an organisation, we are thankful for the Government in providing necessary support to us.

Before this restructure, we had started off with manpower at 3,046 and they basically look after nearly 9,000 people.
Now, through the restructure and reform, we have increased to 4,000 plus and we are moving towards the end stage of 7,209 which is usually the approved restructure by Government.

Not only that, we are thankful to Government for giving us the capability and the mobility that we need.

Before the restructure, we had only 156 police-owned vehicles but with the Government’s assistance, and we continue to thank them, because now we have 456 as our baseline.
So, we have the mobility, it is just the deployment of those that we are working hard on.

That is why we are upgrading our Command Centres so that it can better coordinate the movement of vehicles.

We have the vehicles now and the manpower, it is just how we are dispositioning them in order to mitigate the issues emanating from our security landscape.

HON.

P.W.

VOSANIBULA.- Through you, Deputy Chairperson, my question is just on your project on the digitisation of criminal records.
Although you have answered that and said it is ongoing, what are the challenges that you are facing to complete that project?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, this is the Automated Fingerprint Information System (AFIS) and we are working with that.

Currently, through the reform and restructure, we have added additional 20 officers to the Forensics.

The issue here is the entering of data because of the fingerprint.

The earliest fingerprint there is 2018, the first fingerprint that we have.
It is just transferring it from paper into the computer.

We are glad that the Commissioner of Police has approved the 20 officers, new manpower to the Forensics.

We have thousands and thousands of applications, but it is the police clearance that is giving us the challenge.

It is just the entering of data, but we have the manpower now and we are working towards that.

It will take us a few more months in order to enter all the data that we have - the documents into the digitalisation of our records.
Page 39 of 41 HON.

S. ADIMAITOGA.- Deputy Chairperson, I would like to ask A supplementary question on Question No.

24.

Your answer was, no generator was produced due to non-compliance of vendors for technical specifications.

I believe, this generator is important for Forensics.

Can you elaborate further on that?

I believe you are waiting for the 2022-2023 Budget.
MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Deputy Chairperson, as we have stated, no generator was produced due to non- compliance of vendors for technical specifications because this generator is specifically for our forensics, because of the machines and the DNA capability that we have so specifically for that, they could not meet the specifications at the moment.

That is why we have not purchased it.

It is not that it was not approved by the Government, but it is because the specification had not been met.
We wanted the right and the correct specification so that it could adequately address the needs of our Forensic Unit.

HON.

S. ADIMAITOGA.- You stated here that you are seeking donors from organisations.

Did you have any plan or have you sought donor organisations to fund that?

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Yes, we are seeking donors, we are exploring all opportunities.
Also, it is in our request for our budget, but that does not take away our urge to try and seek assistance from our regional and international partners.

HON.

P.W.

VOSANIBULA.- On the budgetary allocation requirement, especially the one which is within the approval of the Commissioner of Police.

I think the remarks are all the same.

Fine!


But specifically, I would like to ask a question – why it happens and although you have your budget approved for the year and maybe during the course of duty it has to be, your allocation needs to go through another SEG, say from one SEG to another SEG?

That is my question, on the virement of allocation.

MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you, Deputy Chairperson.


As you all understand, the nature of the work of FPF is based and determined by the operating environment that it is operating in.

We have a budget, yes, but there are certain issues in the environment that warrants us to respond and we have not budgeted for that.

Hence, we requested for virement to address that.

The security need and the criminal landscape on the ground, it is being determined by the environment that we are operating in.
That is why we have requested for virement, so that it could assist us in effectively and efficiently address issues.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- There are no other questions from honourable Members, but I have one final question.

We invited the Commissioner of Police to come to our meeting, I think, last year or before last year but, unfortunately, he has not availed himself.

I think it will be good, like in other Committees, that the Commissioner could attend, at least, one of our meetings.
Page 40 of 41 MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Certainly, Deputy Chairperson.

I will convey that.

It is just that we have a Korean delegation who is coming to the Police Headquarters.

That is why he is being held up at the Police Headquarters.

But we will certainly convey your message.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- We do not have any other question.

I think this session has been very fruitful.

It has given us a lot of information, besides your responses, which will make our report more meaningful to Parliament.
Finally, I wish to thank you for availing yourselves for this meeting with your very powerful team, and we thank you for your time and hope that you will avail yourself for any further queries that the Committee may have on this matter.

We will write to you when we are finalising the report.

Stay blessed and safe, and it is the Committee’s hope and prayer that we will triumph against the aftermath of COVID-19 and push forward together to build a safe, secure and stronger Fiji.

So, thank you very much.


MR. A. LUTUNAUGA.- Thank you very much, Deputy Chairperson.

Just before closure, I would like to take this opportunity, on behalf of the Commissioner, the men and women of the FPF, to thank this Committee for the big task that you have been conducting and your service to the people of Fiji.

We assure you that we will go back and we will continue to improve on what we have set out.
We also invite the Committee to come down to the Police Headquarters so that we can take you around the organisation to see how it has evolved and grown from that time that you know of the FPF to where we are now which is a totally different Police Force.

So that is our invitation that is put to your goodselves, Deputy Chairperson.

DEPUTY CHAIRPERSON.- Thank you.


We will definitely accept your invitation and we will discuss with our Chairman when he is back and we will let you know the time that is convenient to both of us.

Obviously, we would like to see more insights into your reform activities.

Thank you very much.

With that, we will take a group photo for our record before we can have morning tea.

The Committee adjourned at 10.35 a.m.

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