BAIRD GOVERNMENT TO IMPROVE POLICE OVERSIGHT IN GRANVILLE ELECTORATE

Member for Granville, Tony Issa MP today welcomed Premier Mike Baird’s announcement that a re-elected Liberals & Nationals Government will identify measures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of police oversight.

Tony Issa said that if re-elected the Baird Government will appoint Mr Andrew Tink, former Shadow Attorney General, to undertake a detailed review and consult with key oversight and integrity agencies, law enforcement agencies, experts and the Granville electorate community to increase transparency and accountability of police.

“We recognise that the police face difficult choices every day. In the line of duty they must frequently make quick decisions that carry serious consequences. However it is important to ensure adequate accountability mechanisms,” Mr Issa said.

““I’m proud to be part of a government that has listened to strong community concerns about the current system for reviewing complaints against police officers. It is complex and unsatisfactory, with overlapping roles.

“Duplication of responsibilities means that the system lacks clarity. The Baird Government will address the functional overlap between respective oversight bodies.

“Successful frameworks around the world will be evaluated, including the UK Independent Police Complaints Commission, and effective features will be adopted.

Recommendations will be guided by the following terms of reference:

• Options for establishing a single civilian oversight model for police in NSW

• Clarifying gaps in the current police oversight system and identifying measures to improve efficiency and effectiveness of oversight

• Identifying and addressing functional overlap between respective oversight bodies

• Consideration of best practice models from around the world.

“The review is expected to be completed by August 2015.

“The Baird Government is committed to ensuring that there is appropriate accountability for powers and discretions exercised by police in Granville electorate,” Mr Issa concluded.