22 Oct 2010

Fiji's ECREA welcomes police feedback option

7:14 am on 22 October 2010

Fiji's Ecumenical Centre for Research Education and Advocacy says it is looking forward to giving an opinion on how the police conduct their duties.

The Police commissioner, Brigadier General Ioane Naivalurua, has invited a variety of civil society groups, NGOs, businesses and community groups to gauge opinions on how police could better serve the community in the future.

ECREA's Director, Joseph Camillo says it's a welcome change to be officially asked to air one's views which suggests that positive changes are ahead.

"I guess right now in this situation in Fiji right now with the political climate and people not wanting to speak out as they may be viewed as anti government or anti- police, so they aren't talking to authorities. But with the new commissioner, this initiative is of course appreciated."

Joseph Camillo says a common frustration has been the police's slow response to complaints, mainly due to a lack of resources.