Inquest into the death of Todd McKenzie

Case Number: 2019/239447

Findings Date: 5 April 2024

Magistrate: Harriet Grahame

CORONIAL LAW | death in police operation; gunshot wounds by police officer; appropriateness of actions of NSW Police Force officers; use of “breach and hold” in a police operation involving a person suffering from an acute episode of schizophrenia; use of family and friends as third party intervenors in police operations; use of consultant psychiatrists in police operations involving a person suffering from a mental illness; recommendations; use of body worn video by tactical officers; review and audit of mental health training

Responses        

Recommendations

Commissioner of the NSW Police Force

1. Tactical police should be required to wear body-worn video.

2. A review and audit of mental health training be undertaken within two years to ensure that adequate and regular mental health training is being provided to NSWPF officers of all ranks.

3. The Commissioner consider updating the NSW Police Force’s “Standard Operating Procedure – Negotiation Unit, Counter-Terrorism and Special Tactics Command” to include an additional paragraph [redacted].

Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Police and Negotiation Commander

A copy of the findings is to be provided to the Minister for Mental Health, Minister for Police and Negotiation Commander.

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