Question regarding policy on legal access for prisoners in regional WA police lock-ups and police oversight of those communications. The answer outlines prisoner rights to contact a solicitor and police procedures to ensure privacy while maintaining security.

AnsweredQoN 2580Legislative Assembly
Asked
20 April 2010
Portfolio
Police

QuestionView source ↗

(1) What is the current policy applying to legal advisers receiving instructions from their clients held in police lock-ups in regional Western Australia?
(2) Are these conversations subject to oversight by, or within hearing of, a police officer?
(3) What instructions are given to police and custody officers to be mindful of legal professional privilege?

AnswerView source ↗

Answered
19 May 2010
Responded by
Minister for Police
Response time
29 days
(1) On admission to a lockup, a member shall permit a prisoner access to a telephone to contact a solicitor and some other person except if the member has reasonable grounds for believing the telephone call will actually hinder a current police investigation.
(2) Police Officers will ensure that any communication between a prisoner and a solicitor, or a solicitor's clerk is private while having due regard to security.
(3) All Police Officers have access to the Police Lockup Manual which provides standard operating procedures for Prisoners Rights and Services whilst in police custody, including communication with a Legal Practitioner.
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