2 Mar 2004

Fiji police commissioner spells out moves to clean up police force

10:18 am on 2 March 2004

Fiji's police commissioner, Andrew Hughes, is to sack special constables recruited after the May 2000 coup because they have criminal records, some very serious.

The Fiji Times quotes Mr Hughes as saying he is looking critically to see if this group are fit and proper people to remain as police support officers.

An American State Department human rights report on Fiji last week highlighted the recruitment of special constables with criminal records under the previous commissioner, Col Isikia Savua.

Mr Hughes says he is determined to clean up the force and restore public confidence, and expects most if not all of this group to be sacked.

He says regular officers who do not conform to the high standards required are also being identified and appropriate action taken.

Mr Hughes says the actions of a few officers has tarnished the image of the whole force most of whose officers are dedicated, hard-working professionals.