> DEATHS IN CUSTODY WATCH COMMITTEE (WA) Inc.
>
> 119 MATHIESON RD ASCOT WA 6104
>
>
> Tel: 61(0)8 9277-1533 Mobile: 041993-0375
>
> Fax: 61(0)8 9478-4204
>
> E-mail: dicwc@omen.net.au
>
> URL: http://www.omen.net.au/~dicwc
>
> Patron: Elder Dr Jack Davis, AO, MBE
>
> Tuesday, 9 November 1999
>
> Police shooting: Call for drug and alcohol screening of police.
>
> Following the tragic death of a hitch hiker, who was shot dead by police
> near Port Hedland in Western Australia yesterday, The Deaths In Custody
> Watch Committee has called for the officers involved to be immediately
> screened for any drug and alcohol use.
>
> "This is in keeping with the Coronial recommendations which followed the
> shooting of a man on Bondi Beach in New South Wales and is now ensconced
in
> the Police Standing Orders in that State." Said Kath Mallott, Executive
> Officer of the Watch Committee.
>
> "This should not be seen as levelling accusations against the officers
> involved but should be normal standard police practice following a death
> which has occurred as a result of police actions."
>
> "We would also question what training these two young officers have
> received in the use of non-lethal force? It was one of the
recommendations
> of the WA Coroner following the police shooting death of Ray Gould five
> years ago, that all police officers should receive such training."
>
> "Press reports of this latest shooting show that the victim had been
> behaving in an erratic fashion for at least 24 hours, with police reports
> of stones being thrown at passing cars. In view of police being aware of
> this, we would question what preparation was made, prior to police
> approaching the scene, in order to ensure that the alleged offender was
> apprehended in a manner that would reduce any risk of harm to both
officers
> and the alleged offender?" Said Ms Mallott.
>
> Media Contact: Kath Mallott 08 9277-1533 041993-0375
>
> Glenn Shaw 08 9265-6960
>
> Deaths In Custody Watch Committee (WA) Inc)
> 119 Mathieson Road, REDCLIFFE, Western Australia, 6104
>
> "The beginning of the cause of deaths in custody does not occur within the
> confines of police and prison cells or in the minds of the
> victims. Initially it starts in the minds of those who allow it to
> happen." Elder Dr. Jack Davis (OA, MBE)
>
> * dicwc@omen.net.au http://www.omen.net.au/~dicwc *
>
>
>
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