POLICE ASSOCIATION OF NEW SOUTH WALES
PO Box A1097, Sydney South, NSW 1232
PHONE: (02) 9265 6777
FAX: (02) 9265 6789
EAGLENET 57071
Monday 23 November, 2009
Coroner Highlights Need for Extra Homicide Resources
The coronial report into the death of Lee Ellen Stace in 1997 has highlighted the
need for extra resources to be put into homicide investigations and rural policing,
according to the Police Association of NSW.
Police Association President Bob Pritchard today said limited police resources
presented extra challenges for police when pursuing long-running cases.
“Unsolved homicide investigations take a huge personal toll on the family and
friends of the victim.
“They also affect the police officers who investigate the crime, and who want to
bring offenders to justice.
“There are many examples of long-running cases that have been solved by the
tenacity and determination of investigating officers.
“But without the resources to dedicate to these investigations, cases that could be
solved may get left ’on the shelf’ while officers deal with the day-to-day pressures
of police work.
“These pressures are even more apparent in rural areas, where local officers have
to perform a wide range of duties. This can lead to delays in investigations and
coronial inquests.
“Justice delayed is justice denied – therefore is vital that police be given the
support and assistance they need to keep difficult investigations on track.”
In his finding last week Deputy State Coroner Carl Milovanovich recommended:
that consideration be given to setting up a special task force or unit (possibly attached to
the Homicide Unit) with sufficient resources to investigate long term unsolved
homicides and suspected homicides of missing persons
and
that consideration be given that the investigation of homicides in rural areas be
managed, funded and resourced by a lead agency that will be responsible for the
preparation of a brief of evidence to the Coroner.
“The State Government needs to look at the Coroner’s recommendations
seriously, and ensure rural police officers are provided with the resources and
support they need.”
For further information contact Stewart Prins 0419 929 722
NEWS 
