Greens Accept Briefing on New Police Protocols
Tasmanian Greens Police spokesperson Paul O’Halloran MP today accepted an offer by the Police Minister David O’Byrne for a briefing regarding the new protocols concerning strip searches of children.
Mr O’Halloran today raised concerns in Parliament that the information released by Tasmania Police last week regarding the new protocols were light on detail and did not address concerns over the rights of children.
“This matter came to public attention following the community uproar over the strip searching of a 12 year old girl by Police, and at the time the Minister promised a thorough review of the protocols,” Mr O’Halloran said.
“What was announced last week amounted to a few short dot points in a media release, which is clearly inadequate for an issue as sensitive as the strip searching of a minor.”
“The Greens share the concern of the Commissioner for Children that the protocols announced by Tasmania Police last week do not go far enough to protect the rights of children.”
“All children are entitled to be treated with dignity and respect, and it’s vital that parents and the broader Tasmanian community have trust in the state’s child protection systems.”
“I look forward to receiving the briefing, after which I will make public my conclusions regarding the adequacy of the new protocols,” Mr O’Halloran said.
Paul O’Halloran MP Greens Spokesperson for Children Tuesday, 19 June 2012
