A court has ruled that the New South Wales police force must provide internal documents to the police watchdog, the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), concerning the death of Krista Kach, who was fatally shot with a bean-bag gun during a police standoff. The court’s decision came after the NSW police’s appeal to withhold the documents, which included a manual on “less lethal” measures and personnel logs, was denied.
The court emphasized the critical importance of independent oversight and real-time monitoring by the LECC to ensure accountability and transparency in such incidents. Despite concerns about the potential disclosure of sensitive information to state parliament, the court ruled in favor of granting the watchdog access to all relevant documents.
The ruling underscores the necessity of maintaining public trust in law enforcement by allowing thorough and independent investigations into police conduct, particularly in cases involving the use of force.