People of Fiji can expect more improved services from law enforcement agencies following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Prisons and Correctional Services last year.
Defence, National Security and Immigration permanent secretary, Mr Jale Fotofili said the purpose of the MoU was to establish and promote areas of common interest between the two parties.
“This is for the enhancement of working relations and strengthening of cooperation between the Fiji Police Force and Fiji Prisons and Correctional Services in the sharing of information and intelligence, joint training programmes, joint operational activities, conducting regular liaisons, and holding joint media releases whenever necessary,” he said.
“The areas of common interest mean those matters where each party has a shared statutory law enforcement or investigatory role.”
Mr Fotofili said both parties were committed to sharing human and technical resources for investigatory and training purposes, supervise and monitor the rehabilitation of former inmates and ensure interoperability between each party within their respective capacities.
He said the sharing of information and intelligence was for investigative purposes or on any likely activity that may affect national security or may be criminal in nature.
The permanent secretary said the MoU was intended to facilitate the effective use of both parties human and technical resources and intelligence and information.
“The MoU is aimed at providing optimum opportunity to each party to maintain law and order,” Mr Fotofili said.
“At the same time reduce the prison population, effectively search and arrest escapees, rehabilitate and assist prisoners reintegrate into society.
“These are envisaged to benefit the community, while at the same time reduce expenses and increase productivity,” he added.
It is understood the MoU will forge cooperation between the two institutions that will enhance security in the country.
“Both parties acknowledge that co-operation will assist in the combat against criminal activities,” Mr Fotofili said.
“This will also protect internal security and safety of the country and its people as well as enhance the ability of each party to fulfill their statutory and non-statutory roles,” he said.
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