[Greens-Media] Media Release: Curti coronial findings – time for accountability: Greens

[David Shoebridge]

Media Release: Curti coronial findings – time for accountability:
Greens
14 November 2012
 
The NSW Coroner's findings in the inquest into the death of Roberto
Curti are a damning indictment of Taser use and abuse by NSW Police
which require an urgent response from the Police Minister and Police
Commissioner. Greens NSW MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge
said:
 
"It would be a gross injustice if the only people held to account for
these abuses were junior police and not the senior officers who sent
them out with inadequate training and a lethal weapon.
 
"The Coroner's findings require urgent changes to Police Taser use in
NSW. 
 
"Tasers must be removed from use by probationary police officers.  The
use of Tasers in drive stun mode must be banned.
 
"The Coroner has recommended the five police officers involved in
Roberto's death be considered for disciplinary action and that the
overall actions of police in the pursuit and restraint be referred to
the PIC. 
 
"The broad-scale deployment of Tasers and the woefully inadequate
training of police have all happened on Commissioner Scipione's watch
and he must be held to account.
 
"Most of the officers involved clearly had little understanding of the
safe use of Tasers or OC spray. 
 
"Training and guidance on the use of these weapons is clearly wholly
inadequate and their use requires urgent review, particularly in
relation to Tasers.
 
"At a bare minimum, Commissioner Scipione must urgently address the
Coroner's recommendation and prohibit the use of Tasers in drive stun
mode. 
 
"Drive stun mode means Tasers can be used as a pain-based compliance
tool, effectively resulting in Police inflicted torture.
 
"The results on Tasers are in – it's time for the Police Minister to
act," Mr Shoebridge said.
 
 Media Comment: Mark Riboldi 9230 3030 or 0433 753 376
 
 

Mark Riboldi
Communications & Policy 
Office of Greens NSW MP David Shoebridge
P: (02) 9230 3030|M: 0433 753 376|T: @thebigriboldi (
http://twitter.com/#!/thebigriboldi )
SIGN UP TO STAY IN TOUCH at davidshoebridge.org.au/sign-up (
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