Raygen Merchant

I would express a hope that such information, provided it is significant and relevant to the care of a prisoner in custody, would be communicated to those who are responsible for the prisoner’s care.

Further, it seems to me that if the prison authorities have information which is potentially relevant to the care of a prisoner either because of the nature of the charges an accused faces or has been found guilty of or because of the nature of certain information in other documents, such as a background report prepared by social workers (e.g. personal difficulties, susceptibilities, anniversaries of deaths of close family or friends), then there should be a procedure or protocol whereby such information is shared with those with the responsibility of caring for the prisoner.

Again the DIPLAR Review recommended that the SPS consider management of the scene following an incident of this sort and I would express an earnest hope that steps are taken, involving the SPS, police and related services, so that the necessary investigations are carried out expeditiously, without undue delay and that adequate resources are made available to remove deceased persons with dignity.