Problems continue with police using force

Problems continue with police using force

The NSW Ombudsman, Bruce Barbour tabled a report in parliament last week revealing the use of force in gaols remains problematic.

The report, Managing Use of Force in Prisons: the Need for Better Policy and Practice, recommends changes in three key areas: Improved training of correctional officers, greater responsibility to be taken by general managers and greater accountability. The Ombudsman said greater accountability involves improved CCTV systems and better reporting of incidents.

According to the report: “Limited change has occurred on the ground in correctional centres …[There is a] significant amount of work which CSNSW [Corrective Services of NSW] needs to do.” Mr Barbour said: “Inmates in NSW are being punished by having their liberty taken away … the deficiencies in this report show much more needs to be done.”

CSNSW Commissioner, Ron Woodham said they were implementing changes recommended by the Ombudsman. “As a result of recommendations made by the NSW Ombudsman, our policy and procedures have been thoroughly reviewed … to ensure the use of force as a last resort,” he said. An e-learning module regarding the use of force is being developed, according to CSNSW. They also said review processes following the use of force are being changed.

Local police said the use of force was not an issue and is always done when justified. Sydney policeman, Tony Bell said: “Our level of force should match the force that is used against us … the
use of force needs to be fair and it has to be justified.”

Mr Bell also said police are well trained and updated on the use of force. “Police are trained every year on what we call defensive tactics, which involves weapons and the use of force,” he said.
Kings Cross police officers referred to the Law Enforcement (Powers and Responsibilities) Act 2002, which states police officers can use whatever force is “reasonably necessary” to exercise
their functions. Officers said the Act is always followed.

Nonetheless, the NSW Greens want to see reform in the use of force by police. Greens MLC David Shoebridge said: “The failings identified in the [Ombudsman’s] report show the need for much more direct parliamentary oversight of NSW prisons … both the former Labor administration and current Coalition government have turned a blind eye to the use of force in prisons.”

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