❓ Question regarding the arrest and strip-search of peaceful protestors at Julie Bishop's office, contrasting it with different treatment in similar protests. The Minister's answer defends police actions based on internal investigation and standard procedures.
AnsweredQoN 3930Legislative Assembly
QuestionView source ↗
(1) Is the Minister aware of an article in the West Australian on Friday 12 December 2014, referring to peaceful demonstrators being arrested outside Julie Bishop's electorate office headed Priest strip-searched after placid protest ? (2) Can the Minister explain why in this case of demonstrators at Ms Bishop's office, police chose to arrest and strip search and yet with two previous peaceful protests by a similar religious group one being at Michaelia Cash’s electorate office where the demonstrators were only issued with move on notices and in April again at Ms Bishop’s office the demonstrators were arrested for trespass but were not subject to a strip search, and if not, why not?
AnswerView source ↗
Answered
6 May 2015
Responded by
Minister for Police
Response time
41 days
(1)-(2)
The decision to conduct strip searches in this instance was subject to an internal investigation that was instigated by WA Police. The investigation determined that the actions of the shift supervisor were appropriate in the circumstances.
The decision to arrest is made by an arresting officer on a case-by-case basis. In the case of the incident at the Electorate Office of the Hon Julie Bishop MP, move on notices were considered, however, protestors advised they would not comply with them, if issued.
Custodial procedures for the Perth Watch House (PWH) are conducted in accordance with PWH Standard Operating Procedure, which includes whether a strip search or basic search will be conducted on a detainee.
The decision to conduct strip searches in this instance was subject to an internal investigation that was instigated by WA Police. The investigation determined that the actions of the shift supervisor were appropriate in the circumstances.
The decision to arrest is made by an arresting officer on a case-by-case basis. In the case of the incident at the Electorate Office of the Hon Julie Bishop MP, move on notices were considered, however, protestors advised they would not comply with them, if issued.
Custodial procedures for the Perth Watch House (PWH) are conducted in accordance with PWH Standard Operating Procedure, which includes whether a strip search or basic search will be conducted on a detainee.
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