More VRI installation

Early access to justice initiatives by the Fiji Police Force were expanded yesterday with the handing over of Video-Recorded Interviews machines to be used in the Nasinu Policing District.

New Zealand Police Sergeant Paul Vanderzee and Deputy Director Organized Crime Superintendent of Police Aiyaz Ali handed over VRI equipments and accessories to the Officer in Charge Nasinu Assistant Superintendent of Police Netani Seruwaqa.

SP Ali said, "The equipment is user-friendly and simple to operate.

The entire interview is clearly recorded, with both parties appearing on camera and it will be presented in court as evidence".

Sergeant Paul Vanderzee of the New Zealand Police, who will be conducting trainings on the peace model technique of interviewing said, “the VRIs will enhance transparency, allow for the admission of crimes, and save time for all parties involved”.

He added the use of VRIs have assisted in the reduction of complaints against police in New Zealand and will assist with the same in Fiji.

The digital equipment for video recording, which is based on most recent and top-notch information and communications technology (ICT) solutions specifically designed for law enforcement, was provided to the Force by New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji and UNDP in Asia and the Pacific (UNDP) as part of the Fiji Police Strengthening Project to support effective and transparent criminal procedures based on international human rights standards.