Fiji Corrections Service questioned on the use of force

The Fiji Corrections Service said they are always in compliance with the new Legislation under the Fiji Corrections Service Act in relation to the use of force by their officers on any prisoner.

This follows a question posed by government MP Dr Neil Sharma during the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence meeting.

Dr Sharma asked what sort of basic training do Prison Officers receive in relation to the use of force especially when prisoners escape.

Fiji Corrections Service Assistant Commissioner Viliame Bulewa said their officers are taught what is stated under the Fiji Corrections Service Act that Officers many not use force against any prisoner except for self defence or the defence of any person and in an event of an escape or attempted escape or when a prisoner uses actual or passive resistance to any officer acting in the lawful discharge of his or her duty.

He also said under the Act, the use of chains and irons to restraint prisoners is not permissible in any circumstances and no instrument of restraint may be used as a punishment.