Nand urges police to investigate claims
THE Fiji Police Force should ensure that the allegations of police brutality are thoroughly investigated, says former deputy commissioner of police Sada Nand.
He was responding to recent claims of police brutality in Nasau, Nadi, that allegedly claimed the life of Mesake Sinu.
Acting Commissioner of Police (ACP) Rusiate Tudravu has issued a directive for an internal investigation.
Police initially said Mr Sinu died at the Nadi Hospital on Monday morning from serious injuries after he jumped from a doublestorey building.
Witnesses, however, claimed that Mr Sinu was allegedly beaten by police.
In a separate incident in Nakasi, police spokeswoman Ana Naisoro said Mr Tudravu had directed internal affairs to investigate claims of police brutality.
Mr Nand said police should be mindful of the law when carrying out their work.
“If there is any police brutality, the Commissioner of Police should take reasonable steps to ensure the case is investigated,” he said.
During his service in the force, he said any reported matter on police brutality was investigated by the Ethical Standard
Department.
“The file of their findings is given to us before we forward them to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions.”
He said police officers had an important role to play in upholding the law.
“They should remain within the ambit of the law, working within their own code of conduct.
“Police officers should be very careful of how they handle and do their job.”
Mr Nand served in the Fiji Police Force for 39 years.
He was also the commander Eastern before joining senior officers at the headquarters. He retired in 2008.