Family harm

Question 1

Police Policy statement

Answer 1

Police must take every opportunity to prevent harm and reduce offending and victimisation.

Question 2

Principles that guide police practice.

Answer 2

Early Intervention
Culturally appropriate
Safety
Collecting Risk information
Accountability
Working collaboratively

Question 3

Police bail for Family harm incidents

Answer 3

Primary consideration is the safety of the victim and family members and linking the victim to support services.

Also the need for a cooling down period to ensure victims safety.

Question 4

Restrictions on Police bail if protection order is breached.

Answer 4

They must not be granted Police bail during the 24hrs immediately following the arrest, unless there is a court appearance earlier.

Question 5

Authorising Police bail

Answer 5

Authority of a supervisor of or above level of Sgt.

Question 6

Family harm incidents involving Police employees, two simultaneous actions should occur?

Answer 6

Normal Police response occurs
Welfare considerations for all parties and shift supervisor should where appropriate refer the matter to the local welfare officer.

Question 7

Employees charged or convicted of FH offending.

Answer 7

The Employee Practice Manager in consultation with the National Police Professional Conduct must consider the employees suitability to continue working in their current role.

Question 8

Police employees subject of PO?

Answer 8

Police officers serving a PO on serving member are required to send a copy to District Commander or National Manager.

Question 9

Police employees who become a respondent of a PO must?

Answer 9

Immediately report in writing to their supervisor who must inform HR Manager and Police Professional conduct Manager. Code of Conduct procedures apply.

Question 10

Applications to vary Protections order conditions re employees and firearms.

Answer 10

These enquires must consider the nature, duration, and type of FH disclosed, any offence history, the employees role and views of the victim.

Question 11

PSO’s are?

Answer 11

Police safety orders are immediate orders issued by a qualified constable.

Question 12

Who is a qualified Constable when issuing?

Answer 12

A constable of or above the level of Sgt.

Question 13

Can PSO be served if charged with an offence?

Answer 13

No, Bail conditions may be set to serve the same purpose as PSO.

Question 14

Factors to consider when deciding to issue a PSO.

Answer 14

Whether it is likely that the person posing risk:

• has inflicted, or is inflicting family violence
• will inflict or again inflict family violence
• the welfare of the children
• hardship that may be caused if issued
• any other matters of concern

Question 15

Police powers pending authorisation and issue an order

Answer 15

Detain person for up to 2 hrs to allow for necessary power to issue. Starts once decision made to serve.

Question 16

Person who refuses to remain?

Answer 16

Commits an offence and liable to $500

May be arrested without warrant.

Question 17

Preventing and detecting breaches.

Answer 17

Police should contact the person at risk while the PSO is in place preferably within 24- 48 hrs of order being served.

• check for any breaches
• ensure person at risks understands what constitutes a breach.

Unless impractical to do so Police should also re visit the bound person while the PSO in place if considered high risk.

Question 18

Actions for breaching a PSO.

Answer 18

Although breaching is not an offence the bound person can still be taken into custody. May use reasonable force.

Bring them before court within 24 hrs.
Make a complaint to the court requesting that it makes order.
If person cannot be brought before the court within 24 hrs must be released and summons to appear.

Question 19

Issuing PSO’s to children.

Answer 19

A PSO can be issued under sec 28 to children aged 16-17 as part of a frontline safety plan, if the order is justified by special circumstances.

Question 20

Serving Protection Orders- Service principles.

Answer 20

Safety
Information gathering
Accountability
Working collaboratively