Police pursuit policy under review VICTORIA Police’s contentious vehicle pursuit policy, introduced in August, is under review – which must be music to the ears of serving officers who feel hamstrung and impotent when crooks drive by and they can’t chase them. The number of “evade police” mentions in police dispatches – meaning police were not permitted to chase offenders – is hard for many to accept. The policy was introduced mid-last year in a bid to strike a balance between protecting life and the need to arrest offenders. It came about via a range of recommendations from a coronial inquest into deaths arising from police pursuits in 2013.
Under the policy, officers cannot initiate a chase unless they perceive the offenders pose a risk to the safety of members of the public, or unless a crime has been committed where someone has been serious injured. Superintendent Glenn Weir, of Frankston Police, acknowledged “frustration” by some members of the public when police are ordered not to chase offenders on safety grounds: “We get that,” he said. “[But] there is still provision to pursue.” He said the policy was based on a risk assessment and safety approach, rather than going all out to catch offenders. “There were always plans to review
the policy after a trial period and that’s under way.” Victoria Police pursuit policy: ‘Members must not initiate or continue a pursuit unless they believe that there is an urgent need to apprehend the vehicle occupant/s because: It is necessary to prevent a serious risk to public health and safety A criminal offence has been committed, or is about to be committed, which involves serious injury to a person Alternative means for apprehending the vehicle occupant/s are not feasible The overall harm they are seeking to prevent is greater than the risks involved in conducting the pursuit.’ Stephen Taylor
Robbers threaten 7-Eleven attendant
Fatality: Police assess the wreck of the motorcycle while SES crews help out clearing the scene. Picture: Gary Sissons
Motorcyclist dies after collision
THREE large men robbed the Amayla Crescent, Carrum Downs, 7-Eleven store, and menaced the lone attendant, Sunday 14 February. The men stole a quantity of cigarettes and cash in the 11.53pm raid. They did not use weapons in this robbery, but may have in others. The two who jumped the counter wore balaclavas while the third, who kept the door open, did not. The men drove off in a stolen green Commodore sedan which police believe was the one found later at Pearcedale. Detective Acting Sergeant Marty O’Brien, of Frankston Criminal Investigation Unit, said police would like to speak with a man who witnessed the robbery, and who approached the attendant with details immediately afterwards. He is asked to call 9784 5555.
A MOTORCYCLIST died after colliding with a car in Seaford, Wednesday morning. The accident occurred on Seaford Rd near the southbound Frankston Freeway on-ramp about 9.30am. The male rider died at the scene. Westbound traffic on Seaford Rd was closed to traffic and was being diverted at Hartnett Dr. Leading Senior Constable JulieAnne Newman, of police media, said a report would be prepared for the coroner. This year, 17 motorcyclists have been killed on Victorian roads compared to six at the same time last year. Assistant Commissioner Doug Fryer said he doesn’t want to see any-
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more needless loss of life. “The 17 riders we have lost to date are not faceless men in black helmets,” he said. “They are brothers, sons and fathers whose deaths will never be forgotten by their families and friends. “I challenge the whole community to not let their deaths be in vain but instead for them to be a wake-up call to change our behaviour on the roads. “We need to share the roads and respect each other at all times.” Anyone who saw the Seaford collision is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or to make a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au
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1300 WE IMPROVE Frankston Times 29 February 2016
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