Ombudsman to investigate Dethridge incident

Police Minister Graham Edwards today confirmed that the Ombudsman would conduct an investigation of matters surrounding the incident involving Joseph Dethridge in the Fremantle lock-up.

Mr Edwards said he had asked the Ombudsman to focus on, but not limit himself, to four main points.  These were:

·         the general conduct of the police investigation into the incident;

·         the procedures followed by the police in the laying of the criminal charge against Sergeant Smith;

·         the procedures followed in relation to the listing of Sergeant Smith's court appearances; and

·         the circumstances surrounding the withdrawal, reinstatement and withdrawal of the charge against Mr Dethridge.

Mr Edwards said he was pleased that the Ombudsman had advised he would conduct the investigation as, in his view, the Ombudsman was the most appropriate person to do so.