Call for immediate system wide investigation - Media Release

Call for immediate system wide investigation

Deaths in Custody Watch Committee spokesperson, Marc Newhouse condemned the inadequate action of Police Commissioner Karl O’Callaghan for not standing Sen. Const. Niko Westergerling down from all police duties for shooting at three Aboriginal women and a toddler.

“Given the seriousness of his actions, it would have been more appropriate to stand him down from all duties, particularly as he has now been charged by Internal Investigations,” he said.

Mr Newhouse said Sen. Const Niko Westergerling’s actions could have resulted in another death in police custody.

“It is of great concern to us that this Officer was recently convicted of a serious physical domestic violence attack on his wife, for punching and kicking her, yet his employment was not terminated,” he said.

“Adequate checks need to be put in place by the Police Commissioner to ensure officers who commit violent offences are fit for service before considering putting them back on the job.”

Mr Newhouse said these matters are at the heart of police integrity, as the public need confidence that matters of public safety will be dealt with appropriately.

‘Our organization has been inundated with calls from concerned and angry Aboriginal and non Aboriginal community members following Monday’s shooting incident,’ he said.

Mr Newhouse said the public’s lack of confidence had led them to ask a lot of questions.

“How did the Police Commissioner ensure himself this officer was fit to deal with domestic violence reports to police following the offences against his wife and how many domestic violence reports did he attend to, and what were the outcomes?” he said.

Mr Newhouse said the Crimes and Corruption Commission should consider an immediate system wide investigation into the internal decision making about serious police misconduct as the Education Department did some time ago when concerns were raised about public safety in that area.

“We reiterate our call for legislation to establish an Independent Inspector of Police Services in the hope that this may go some way to restoring faith in the police force,” he said.

Media Contact: Marc Newhouse, Deaths in Custody Watch Committee (WA), 0415 074 602, newbone@bigpond.com