Police Association of New South Wales President Kevin Morton is demanding that members of the NSW Opposition cease undermining public confidence in the NSW Police Force and its members.
The statement comes in relation to continued allegations of a cover up concerning communications released following the critical incident investigation launched in Cooma on May 17.
The President has referred to these ongoing attacks and claims of a cover up as “alarmist rhetoric.”
The Commissioner of Police has publicly addressed this issue, identifying the need for the family to be informed of the full circumstances from the outset, with an investigation commenced immediately after the incident. This matter is now before the court and ongoing commentary could potentially jeopardise the chance of a fair trial.
“It is disappointing to hear the Leader of the Opposition and the Shadow Minister for Police continuing to weigh in on how operational policing is conducted.” PANSW President Kevin Morton said.
“Given their respective previous capacities as Attorney General and Police Minister, both have extensive experience in the complexity involved in the vetting of media releases relating to sensitive policing issues.”
“These media releases are completed by the Police Media Unit, with input from specialist officers and members of the Executive team who take into account all aspects of the incident that has occurred.”
“The members of the Opposition, who enjoyed a long-standing active working relationship with the NSWPF only a few months ago, that continue to raise this matter should consider their moral conduct in politicizing this issue.”
“The critical incident investigation following this incident was conducted by the highly professional Homicide Squad and has been independently oversighted by the LECC. It is now a matter for the courts to decide.”
“These continued unfounded allegations of a cover up in State Parliament reduce this matter, which is still highly sensitive, into a political point-scoring exercise and it is an insult to the serving members of the New South Wales Police Force.”
Media contact:
Elyssa King PANSW
Communications Officer
0425 383 628 or media@pansw.org.au
PANSW Facebook @pansw.org.au | Twitter @PoliceAssocNSW