NCJ Number
31468
Journal
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Criminology Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (JUNE 1975) Pages: 125-136
Date Published
1975
Length
12 pages
Annotation
AN ANALYSIS OF THE USE OF LETHAL FORCE BY AUSTRALIAN POLICE FROM 1965 TO 1974 SHOWS THAT A RE-EXAMINATION OF ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES, POLICE TRAINING POLICY, AND DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES MAY BE IN ORDER.
Abstract
THE PRACTICES/OF FIRING WARNING SHOTS AND OF SHOOTING AT UNARMED FLEEING FELONS ARE CALLED INTO QUESTION. PROCEDURES INVOLVED IN INQUESTS AND IN THE INVESTIGATIONS OF POLICE WEAPON FIRING BY POLICE DEPARTMENTS ARE CRITICIZED FOR BEING TOO CURSORY AND LACKING IN PROCEDURAL SAFEGUARDS. POINTING OUT THAT FOUR KILLINGS IN THE LATTER PART OF THE STUDY PERIOD OCCURRED UNINTENTIONALLY (AS THE RESULT OF WARNING SHOTS), THE AUTHOR CALLS FOR HIGHER STANDARDS OF POLICE FIREARMS TRAINING AND MORE STRINGENT DEPARTMENTAL POLICIES.