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As do all police ministers,prime ministers and
presidents.
The entire Eastern Bloc fell, almost bloodlessly, in a couple weeks, because one by one everybody realized that all that's sometimes required is to finally stand up and be counted, and to just say no to the government. When the time was right, all it took was a slight push. Subject: Police cells
In Limbo. Michell Walkden. More than 18 months since the Ombudsman's office began an enquiry into conditions in Bendigo police cells,a promised report has yet to be seen. An investigator from the Ombudsman's office inspected the Bendigo police cells in August 2000 as part of the inquiry. At the time it was expected a full report would be tabled in state parliment by the end of the year. Now more than 12 months later the report has to see the light of day. Complaints about cell conditions have been raging since early 2000,when it was revealed massive overcrowding was leading some detainees to attempt suicide or self mutilation in a bid to be transferred to purpose built holding facilities. Throughout the past 2 years the Advertiser has reported the appalling conditions of the cells, where people are held without fresh air,access to appropiate hygiene facilities or exercise. Those in police custody should only be held in the cells for two days,according to State Govt. policy,but prisoners regularly spend weeks,sometimes more than a month,in police care. Entire prison terms have actually been served as prisoners are bounced between holding cells at central Victorian police stations. The Bendigo Magistrates Court has been told of those waiting on remand being forced to eat their meals on the floor within close proximity to open toilets. Others have been forced to double bunk,or sleep on the concrete floor with minimal coverings. Yesterday,Opposition Police and Emergency Services spokesman Kim Wells called on the Govt. to immediatly table the report in Parliament. "The report was supposed to be handed in to Parliament at the end of 2000,but it's still no- where to be found.I've visited the Bendigo Police cells and they are nothing short of disgusting." Mr Wells said the Opposition believed that the report was "in limbo"until the State Govt. revealed it's 10 year masterplan for the States prisons. "Police cells were only ever for short term prisoners on remand,not prisoners serving sentences, as they are at Bendigo." He called on Police Minister Andre Haermeyer to take action to have the report finalised and made public. END |
- 48 hours mattd
- matt taylor
