Wrong to go public with absolution
25.03.2010



By: Tony Koch

THE news that four prisoners have died in custody in Queensland in the past month -- three in the past week -- is cause for serious investigation and government response.
There is no accusation at this stage that any prison official or police officer was responsible in any way for any of the deaths. That determination is ultimately for the Coroner.
But yesterday, Queensland Police Union president, former traffic cop Ian Leavers, announced he had spoken with the police involved with the latest death -- a 41-year old man in the Rockhampton watch-house -- and his ``investigation'' revealed they had done ``absolutely nothing wrong''.
That is a remarkable conclusion considering no autopsy has yet been completed, and any proper ``investigation'' surely involves more than speaking with police.
Each time now there is an incident where police could possibly face criticism or investigation, the union arrives on the scene with its ``critical incident team'', takes over, and then goes public with its absolution.
Just two weeks ago, at the third inquest into the death in custody of Palm Islander Mulrunji Doomadgee, it was revealed that police union lawyers were present when officers from the Crown Prosecutor's Office were taking statements from police witnesses who were to give evidence in the manslaughter trial of Senior Sergeant Chris Hurley -- whose legal representation was arranged and paid for by the union.
Perhaps Queensland no longer needs a coroner, or even a Police Ethical Standards Unit. Just leave it to the police union and the matter can be put to bed.
As usual, the Liberal National Party opposition is silent. No issue could ever be important enough for them to criticise the Queensland Police Union.