[Greens-Media] Media release: Greens call for independent review of shooting and police response to mental health

[David Shoebridge MLC]

Media release

10 June 2016

Yesterday's tragic police shooting in the Hornsby Westfield requires a
thorough independent review into the use of lethal force by police against
people with mental illness. tHe inquiry must also consider the hierarchy of
force used by police in public places and the risk posed to innocent
bystanders.

Greens MP and Justice Spokesperson David Shoebridge said:  "Shooting a
mentally ill person in a crowded place raises serious issues and these
warrant more than a compromised internal investigation with police
investigating police.

"Previous police shootings of mentally ill people have resulted in damning
findings by the coroner and strong recommendations for policy and procedure
changes within the NSW Police Force.

"Lethal force should be used only as a last resort, and the threat it poses
to the public must be a key concern for police.

"The decision to open fire on a mentally ill man in a crowded shopping
precinct needs a thorough investigation, like that being undertaken into
the Sydney siege.

"Under current NSW law, unless there is a fatality the entire investigation
of the police is undertaken internally by other police. That is
unacceptable int his case.

"The Greens are calling for a Special Commission of Inquiry with Royal
Commission powers to review not only this incident but more generally the
police use of lethal and near lethal force in response to members of the
public suffering from mental illness.

"There have been real and legitimate concerns about the lack of training
given to police to respond to mental illness.

"This is a deeply distressing time for all involved both the police and the
public, and each and every one of them deserve to have the matter
thoroughly and independently reviewed.

Media contact: 0408 113 952

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*David ShoebridgeGreens MP in the NSW Legislative CouncilP: (02) 9230
3030 |Media: 0408 113 952|T: @ShoebridgeMLC
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