ICT EQUIPMENT THROUGH FPF SUPPORT PROJECT

The Fiji Police Force (FPF) received $100,000 USD (approx $200,000 FJD) worth of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) equipment procured under the FPF Support Project with support from thr New Zealand High Commission, Suva, Fiji and UNDP Pacific Office in Fiji.

The ICT equipment includes desktops, printers and an Interactive Panel Screen, is part of an initiative aimed at strengthening the emergency response capabilities of FPF.

It will also help to modernize the system and provide better transparency to the process of detention and arrest.

In receiving the ICT equipment the Chief of Intelligence and Investigations (CII) Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Surend Sami said the handing over of specialized technological aides further strengthens early access to justice initiatives and reaffirms the FPF commitment to the protection of human rights.

“From the initial stages to where we are now, the New Zealand Government and New Zealand Police have remained true to its commitment that it sees this program as a partnership, and that it was not about them coming here and telling Fiji what was best for us, but asking us what we needed and supporting us along the way,” ACP Sami said.

“We continue to be thankful that through the support of our partners from the New Zealand Police and UNDP, the Fiji Police has been able to identify and address immediate needs in strengthening capacity and capabilities,” he added.

ACP Sami said that by providing support through resources such as these technological aides, the police will boost its reputation of being a modern and responsive police organization that is supportive of efforts of ensuring the effective administration of justice.

“The Fiji Police Force is committed to promoting the rule of law and recognizing that human rights are key to this process,” he said.

The FPF Support Project aims to strengthen transparency, accountability and effectiveness of the Fiji Police Force, in collaboration with key justice stakeholders and civil society organizations.

Funded by New Zealand, the project supports FPF to strengthen early access to justice in criminal proceedings and strengthen a victim-centered approach to investigations with priorities on gender responsive and human rights-based approach to access to justice for vulnerable groups.

The project also seeks to support national and sub-national capacities for planning, coordination and crisis management.