Vic: Call for open investigation into police shooting

AAP General News (Australia)
12-12-2008
Vic: Call for open investigation into police shooting

MELBOURNE, Dec 12 AAP - Police must conduct an independent and open investigation into
the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old boy, the Victorian Criminal Justice Coalition said
on Friday.

The group - representing more than 50 legal, academic and community service organisations
- said it was concerned about an emerging pattern of high levels of police shooting deaths
that were evident in the 1990s.

Convenor Father Peter Norden warned against a "closed shop" investigation into the
incident or a police media relations campaign to justify the use of deadly force.

Father Norden also said the coalition had advocated for more than 15 years for an increase
in specialist response teams to people suffering disturbed behaviour.

"The use of capsicum spray and a violent confrontation is often the worst possible
response to a young person displaying emotional or psychiatric symptoms," he said.

"The Victorian community calls for a more sophisticated response in dealing with disturbed
individuals, particularly very young people."

Officers fatally shot the boy in the chest as he approached and allegedly threatened
them with two knives in the Melbourne suburb of Northcote about 9.30pm (AEDT) on Thursday.

Police said they fired warning shots and used two hits of capsicum spray to subdue
the boy, with no apparent effect.

They were called to the All Nations Park following calls from a number of people reporting
a young man behaving irrationally and violently.

Police are investigating the incident on behalf of the Victorian Coroner, while the
police Ethical Standards Department has launched its own probe.

AAP mok/ce/wf

KEYWORD: SHOT JUSTICE (PIX AVAILABLE)

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