Media Release

For Immediate Release

24 January 2009

Killing Of Bystander A Tragedy

The accidental killing of an innocent bystander during a confrontation with an armed offender is an absolute tragedy, Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.

“The thoughts of all police officers are with the family of Halatau Naitoko, a young man tragically caught up in a very serious incident,” Mr O'Connor said.

“That Mr Naitoko was hit by a Police bullet is a doubly cruel blow not only for his family, but also for Police. The Police Association is unequivocally supporting the police officers involved, who were forced to act and do the best job they could when faced with a very difficult situation.

“I call on the public to rally round and support not only the Naitoko family, but also the police officers involved. It is important that we understand the situation the police found themselves in. They had no choice but to respond to the very serious threat posed by the rampaging armed offender. The outcome is tragic for all concerned but these are sometimes the harsh realities of policing,” Mr O’Connor said.

“It is sad reality that dangerous and violent criminals put the lives of others at risk every day. Police are out there every day doing their best to prevent innocent people having their lives ruined by those offenders. That is their job. Very occasionally, in the heat of the dangerous and volatile situations police are called to deal with, bystanders are accidentally dragged into the action with tragic results.

“We offer our deepest condolences to Mr Naitoko's family,” Mr O'Connor said.

ENDS

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