FCS Eyes Key Reforms Ahead of Budget

Source: Fiji Sun

The Fiji Corrections Service (FCS) will review and restructure internal mechanisms to align with its budget allocations, assess managerial capacity and implement detailed training programmes for its officers.

This reform stems from the need to improve public service and support government goals of good governance, rule of law, and community safety.

FCS Commissioner, Jalesi Nakarawa said the planned reform was merely focused on addressing shortcomings in leadership.

This also includes staffing and procedural alignment with budgetary allocations.

"The Fiji Corrections Service stands at a pivotal moment," Mr Nakarawa said.

"We are committed to ensuring that our correctional facilities not only provide safe and secure custody of offenders but also effectively rehabilitate them for reintegration into society as productive, law-abiding citizens."

The FCS will be reviewing and restructuring internal mechanisms to match the budgetary allocations which will delivered next Friday, eliminating over-staffing, and addressing any leadership gaps.

This reform will assess and enhance the capacity of senior managers and correction officers to support and drive the necessary reforms.

More focus will be invested in implementing ongoing training programs to ensure staff are equipped with current correctional practices, especially as offender profiles evolve.

The institution will also strengthen core functions of safety and security within facilities while integrating rehabilitation processes.

The reform will also include enforcing rigorous accountability measures across all levels of the service to ensure adherence to policies and procedures.

"Our goal is to transform the FCS into a modern correctional system that meets international standards and effectively serves our community," Mr Nakarawa said.

"This journey will require dedication and collaboration, but I am confident in our collective ability to achieve these reforms."