FOR the first time the Fiji Corrections Service has drafted a policy for HIV and AIDS.
This was possible after a two-day workshop which ended yesterday where corrections officers and representatives from the Fiji Red Cross, Ministry of Labour and International Labour Organisation (ILO) discussed what would suit the officers and the environment they work in.
FCS spokeswoman Ana Tamani said the two-day workshop was a success.
"The FCS has achieved another milestone in being the first department in the disciplined service to undertake this course," Mrs Tamani said.
Director corporate services Peniasi Kunatuba said the program was another step up in the work of the service from the paradigm shift of containment to corrections.
"Our task is to ensure that those under our custody become responsible and economically-contributing citizens at the end of their incarceration," Mr Kunatuba said.
Deputy secretary for Labour Osea Cawaru said the presence of the FCS management at the workshop was an example of commitment.
"The risks posed by the nature of work of corrections officers and those under their leadership are too great to ignore and requires inter-agency co-operation to mitigate. I applaud the FCS management for its commitment to accept the ministry's invitation to take on board the HIV initiative," he said.