Trained Fiji police investigators improving early access to justice

June 20, 2019

Police Constable Anjleshni Devi (left) practices a friendly interaction with suspect in a role-play during the training (Photo: UNDP)


The mention of ‘police interviews’ can invoke feelings of anxiety in the minds of many people and make them feel intimidated. The situation, however, can be different in Fiji.

“Suspects, victims and police officers, whether they are on the right or wrong side of the law, are all human beings,” said Police Constable Anjleshni Devi, a police officer with over 15 years of experience.

She stressed that sometimes she had to prioritize the needs of those brought into the police station, either as suspects or victims, over her personal commitments.

This includes maintaining composure and building rapport with suspects who may on occasion demonstrate hostile behavior. She said, “Awareness of non-verbal communication and even smiling to suspects during interviews can encourage a suspect to relay their side of the story.”

Police Constable Devi was one of 19 police officers who recently participated in a knowledge and skills workshop on Early Access to Justice and Investigative Interviewing Techniques through a training organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

The techniques, as provided by the PEACE model of investigative interviewing, are designed to enable police investigators to obtain accurate, reliable and detailed information from suspects through a calm, non-confrontational approach.

The PEACE model provides five steps for an investigative interview: 1) preparation and planning; 2) engagement and explanation; 3) account; 4) closure; and 5) evaluation. The model was introduced for police use in England and Wales, and has been adopted by numerous police forces worldwide.

Police officers role-played investigative interview using the techniques they learned during the training. (Photo: UNDP)


The investigators also had a chance to gain knowledge and share their experiences with officers from the Legal Aid Commission and the Director of the Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission, and institutions that play crucial roles in the justice system.

Improving police officers’ investigative interviewing skills is part of Fiji’s commitment to implementing the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT) and the Pilot of the First-Hour Procedure and Video-Recorded Interviews.

The Pilot was announced in 2016 by the key stakeholders, who include the Chief Justice, Commissioner of Police, Director Office of Public Prosecutions, Director Legal Aid Commission and Director Human Rights and Anti-Discrimination Commission. It commenced at the Central Police Station and the Criminal Investigations Division in Suva and has been ongoing since. The initiative is supported by UNDP and the British High Commission.

Research carried out in designing the ‘Pilot’ identified that effective access by detainees to procedural safeguards during the first hours and days of custody is the most important measure by which to reduce the risk of torture. In addition, moving away from confession-based evidence and the use of video recording during interviews has a significant positive effect in reducing the risk.

Police Constable Devi and her fellow police officers interact directly with suspects on a daily basis following procedures that ensure that the human rights of suspects are respected in police custody in accordance with Fiji’s Constitution and international standards.