Hon Alison Xamon asks about the number of people arrested for fine default during the COVID-19 emergency and whether action was taken to prevent imprisonment for this reason. The Police Force responded with arrest numbers and referenced a prior broadcast allowing officers to delay warrant execution in exceptional circumstances.

AnsweredQoN 2952Legislative Council
Asked
19 May 2020
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

I refer to the answer to my
question without notice 393, asked on 12 May 2020, regarding warrants of
commitment for fine defaulters, and I ask: (a) how many individuals have
been arrested by Western Australia police on warrants of commitment for fine default during
the COVID-19 emergency period; (b) has the Minister or the Commissioner of Police taken any action to ensure people are not imprisoned for fine default during this period; and (c) if no to (b), why not?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
24 June 2020
Responded by
Minister for Environment representing the Minister for Police
Response time
10 days
The Western Australian Police Force advise:
(a) 54 persons are recorded to have been admitted into custody between 16 March and 31 May 2020 with the principle admission reason of ‘Warrant of Commitment’.
(b)-(c) In June 2019 the Commissioner of Police issued a Broadcast that in exceptional circumstances an officer may delay the execution of an ‘Arrest Warrant’.

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