Commitment to Investigative Workshop Shows Police Dedication: UK Envoy
CAPACITY BUILDING, AN IMPORTANT COMPONENT IN MAKING SURE THAT POLICE BEST PRACTICES WERE ADHERED TO
The Police Forces’ participation in the second round of the United Nations Convention Against Torture workshop is an indication of Fiji’s dedication. Known as the `Training of the Trainers’ in Investigative Interviewing workshop, the British High Commissioner Melanie Hopkins echoed Fiji’s commitment towards such training at the opening of the workshop yesterday.
Ms Hopkins who had also officiated the first round of training for the Police force last year said that this signalled the Fijian Government’s dedication.
She said that on June 26 of this year, the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture, Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) Minister for Human Rights, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon during his visit to Fiji last month, had the opportunity to visit the Criminal Investigation Department Headquarters and also observed a pilot video recording operation.
“Torture prevention forms an integral part of the United Kingdon’s (UK) rule of law programmes aimed at building security and stability overseas,” Ms Hopkins said.
“Through these programmes we offer UK expertise in inspection and monitoring of detention facilities and in investigative interviewing techniques,” she said. Ms Hopkins added a number of female police officers have also received training on video recorded interviews.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Isikeli Ligairi said capacity building was an important component in making sure that Police practices were `adhered to Nations Convention Against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment.