Port Vila, Vanuatu, 06,11,2026 – The Vanuatu Law Reform Commission (VLRC) has completed its comprehensive legal review of the Police Act [Cap 105], recommending that the current legislation be repealed and replaced with a new modern Police Act to better support effective, accountable and professional policing across Vanuatu.
Prior to the official launch of the report, Gracelyn Tasso, Principal Research Officer at the Vanuatu Law Reform Commission, presented an overview of the findings, recommendations and key reform areas contained in the Legal Review of the Police Act [Cap 105]. Her presentation highlighted the extensive nationwide consultations undertaken by the Commission and the need for a modern legislative framework to support contemporary policing in Vanuatu.
The review is one of the most extensive examinations of the country's policing legislation undertaken to date, covering 39 key issues, five major reform themes and consultations involving 874 participants across all six provinces. Consultation teams engaged police officers, specialist units, chiefs, community members, government agencies and other stakeholders throughout 2025 and 2026.
The report found that important components of the Vanuatu Police Force, including the Vanuatu Mobile Force, Police Maritime Wing, National Intelligence Unit and Close Protection Personnel, currently operate largely through policy and administrative practice rather than clear legislative authority. This has created gaps in legal certainty, accountability and operational effectiveness.
Based on widespread stakeholder support, the Commission concluded that further amendments to the existing Act would not adequately address these issues. Instead, it recommends a complete replacement of the current law.
The proposed reforms focus on five key areas: establishment and governance, organisation, leadership and administration, workforce management, and police powers. Major recommendations include legally recognising the three elements of the Vanuatu Police Force, strengthening oversight and accountability mechanisms, introducing merit-based promotion and recruitment systems, modernising disciplinary processes, and providing clear legal frameworks for contemporary policing functions such as cybercrime investigations, digital forensics and intelligence-led policing.
The report also recommends the formal establishment of key police institutions, including the Professional Standards Unit and Police Training College, while clarifying the distinct roles of the Police Service Commission and the Commissioner of Police.
The recommendations will now form the basis of drafting a new Police Bill, which will be supported by consequential reforms to the Police Rules, Police General Orders and related operational policies.
The review represents a significant step towards ensuring that Vanuatu's policing framework is modern, accountable and equipped to meet current and future law enforcement challenges while safeguarding the rights and welfare of both police officers and the public
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