❓ WA Police addresses recommendations following the death of Carl Woods in custody, outlining training frequency, investigation priority, and procedural changes, including enhanced use-of-force reporting and the AIPRO database for 'at risk' officers.
AnsweredQoN 1224Legislative Council
QuestionView source ↗
DEATH IN CUSTODY - MR CARL WOODS
In relation to the finding upon inquest into the death of Carl Woods that was handed down on 28 November 2007 - (1) Will the Western Australia Police be fully implementing all the recommendations contained in the report - (a) if so, when; and (b) if not, which recommendations will not be fully implemented and what are the reasons for this? (2) Will any other procedural changes be made - (a) specifically as a result of this death in custody; and (b) as a result of the general increase in disturbances caused by drug-induced behaviours observed by the four police officers who gave evidence in the matter? (3) How often are police officers trained in - (a) the range of strategies available for bringing a suspect under control; (b) health management of people in police custody, including - (i) first aid; (ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people? (4) What degree of priority applies to the completion of police investigations into a death in custody? (5) Have any charges resulted from this death in custody? Hon JON FORD
In relation to the finding upon inquest into the death of Carl Woods that was handed down on 28 November 2007 - (1) Will the Western Australia Police be fully implementing all the recommendations contained in the report - (a) if so, when; and (b) if not, which recommendations will not be fully implemented and what are the reasons for this? (2) Will any other procedural changes be made - (a) specifically as a result of this death in custody; and (b) as a result of the general increase in disturbances caused by drug-induced behaviours observed by the four police officers who gave evidence in the matter? (3) How often are police officers trained in - (a) the range of strategies available for bringing a suspect under control; (b) health management of people in police custody, including - (i) first aid; (ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people? (4) What degree of priority applies to the completion of police investigations into a death in custody? (5) Have any charges resulted from this death in custody? Hon JON FORD
AnswerView source ↗
I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(1) Will the Western Australia Police be fully implementing all the recommendations contained in the report - (a) if so, when; and (b) if not, which recommendations will not be fully implemented and what are the reasons for this? (2) Will any other procedural changes be made - (a) specifically as a result of this death in custody; and (b) as a result of the general increase in disturbances caused by drug-induced behaviours observed by the four police officers who gave evidence in the matter? (3) How often are police officers trained in - (a) the range of strategies available for bringing a suspect under control; (b) health management of people in police custody, including - (i) first aid; (ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people? (4) What degree of priority applies to the completion of police investigations into a death in custody? (5) Have any charges resulted from this death in custody? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(b) if not, which recommendations will not be fully implemented and what are the reasons for this?
(b) as a result of the general increase in disturbances caused by drug-induced behaviours observed by the four police officers who gave evidence in the matter?
(b) health management of people in police custody, including - (i) first aid; (ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people?
(ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people?
(iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people?
(5) Have any charges resulted from this death in custody? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority.
(5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(1) Will the Western Australia Police be fully implementing all the recommendations contained in the report - (a) if so, when; and (b) if not, which recommendations will not be fully implemented and what are the reasons for this? (2) Will any other procedural changes be made - (a) specifically as a result of this death in custody; and (b) as a result of the general increase in disturbances caused by drug-induced behaviours observed by the four police officers who gave evidence in the matter? (3) How often are police officers trained in - (a) the range of strategies available for bringing a suspect under control; (b) health management of people in police custody, including - (i) first aid; (ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people? (4) What degree of priority applies to the completion of police investigations into a death in custody? (5) Have any charges resulted from this death in custody? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(b) if not, which recommendations will not be fully implemented and what are the reasons for this?
(b) as a result of the general increase in disturbances caused by drug-induced behaviours observed by the four police officers who gave evidence in the matter?
(b) health management of people in police custody, including - (i) first aid; (ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people?
(ii) moving injured people; and (iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people?
(iii) recognition of circumstances that merit contacting a health professional, particularly in respect of Aboriginal people?
(5) Have any charges resulted from this death in custody? Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
Hon JON FORD replied: I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
I thank Hon Giz Watson for some notice of the question. The Minister for Police and Emergency Services has supplied the following answer - (1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(1) (a) The recommendations of the Deputy State Coroner are currently under consideration and are being evaluated. Therefore, although there is no aversion to the recommendations, WA Police is necessarily comparing the recommendations against the existing training and procedures. (b) Not applicable. (2) (a) As a general improvement, WA Police is broadening the requirement for use-of-force reporting. A new database called AIPRO, which flags “at risk” officers, has been implemented and is monitored by the risk assessment unit. It is proposed that empty-hand control techniques, such as kicks, which can cause injury and require medical attention, will in future require the submission of a use-of-force report. (b) No. (3) (a) It is during the recruit training stage and annually thereafter through critical skills training sessions that are mandatory for all operational police officers; (b) (i) During the recruit training stage and then every two years. (ii) During the recruit training stage and then every two years as part of the first aid training - police life support training, which is delivered by St John Ambulance instructors. (iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority. (4) Deaths in custody are treated as a major investigation and are fully investigated to prepare a comprehensive coronial report to be submitted to the coroner. If sufficient evidence is present, the investigation may lead to criminal charges being proffered. (5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
(iii) Regardless of the Aboriginality of a person in custody, officers are aware that detained or arrested people should be assessed for health issues and should, when necessary, be either conveyed to or treated by a health professional as a priority.
(5) No, and it is noted that the Deputy State Coroner made no such findings in this inquest.
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