Training A Task Force composed of Frank Honan, an independent and impartial Chair, Dame Margaret Guilfoyle as an eminent person who represents community interests, and Bruce Swanton, a Criminologist who was the Project Director of Task Force was established to monitor the implementation of various recommendations on police shootings. Most of the recommendations have been implemented. Every operational member has participated in training on how to manage and handle persons either known to be mentally ill or whose behaviour would lead an average person to believe that the person was mentally ill. The training was designed after input from the Department of Health and Community Services and from consultants. This training was fully implemented in the first half of last year.
Additional training is provided on an ongoing basis, that is 'as required'.
These initiatives have been seen by the Training Department of Victoria Police as resulting in a change in the general attitude of operational members so that they will be more gentle in their handling of these sensitive matters. The Protocol for use by police and Psychiatric Services staff in their dealings with mentally ill was finalised and published in September 1995. These new initiatives aim to ensure there is a proper balance between the rights of community safety and the need to avoid violence where possible. Police have recently resolved several difficult and potentially dangerous situations peacefully. Deputy Ombudsman's Report on Richmond and East Melbourne Demonstrations Following a baton charge which was televised around the world, the government and the deputy ombudsman had implemented enquiries.