MAKE SUBMISSIONS, POLICE TELLS
Let your concern about the
Draft Police Bill 2020 be known through the platforms provided for the consultation, said Acting Police Commissioner Rusiate Tudravu.
He said this after the proposed laws in the draft bill have caused outrage from some.
They have made their views known via social media and other forums on what they perceive as being unconstitutional and violating the rights and freedoms enshrined in 2013 Constitution. Mr Tudravu said the public could voice their views through the consultation process. Minister for Defence and National Security Inia Seruiratu, after launching the consultation process, said they hoped for a massive consultation on the bill.
He said only after they felt that everyone was consulted and necessary amendments made, then only would the bill be tabled before the Cabinet and then to Parliament.
In the draft Police Bill, officers do not need a warrant to arrest any person who, intending to abuse, insult or annoy any Police employee during the course of such Police employees lawful duty, utters any word, makes any sound or gesture, or exhibits any object, intending that such word or sound shall be heard, or that such gesture or object shall be seen, by the Police employee commits an offence.
The proposed penalty for this offence is a fine not exceeding $5000 or to imprisonment not exceeding five years; or both. Under the Power to Seize Electronic Storage Devices, Police would have the powers to seize any electronic device anywhere in any public space. According to the law, all Police officers need is a suspicion that the device is being used for criminal purposes.
Police would also be able to place tracking devices and listen to conversations by tapping phones and eavesdropping without having to apply for a warrant.