WA Police formally admit the maps released by their police minister created a “serious concern for public safety” and could be used to “locate firearms”.
The WA Office of the Information Commissioner and WA Police have released information which says Police Minister, Paul Papalia's decision to release maps of the location of shooters to the media in 2022, deliberately put the public at risk.
Shooters had expressed concern that the maps, which were provided to the minister by WA Police, were sufficiently accurate to enable thieves to target their homes in the search for firearms.
Minister Papalia had originally assured the public that there was "no possibility" of individual addresses being identified, however recent information shows that to be incorrect.
Lobby group, Politics Reloaded, revealed the information after a person obtained key information through Freedom of Information.
It says the information not only shows Minister Papalia made untrue statements to the public, but may have misled parliament.
It also says that it would appear the minister specifically did not want a brief to accompany the maps because police objected to the the maps being used for political reasons.
"However, it would seem that he released the maps anyway, despite the fact WA Police held 'serious concerns' that they could be used by criminals to get more guns", a spokesman said.
WANT MORE? A full article on this story with screenshots of the relevant findings is at:https://politicsreloaded.com/2023/12/29/its-official-wa-cops-admit-papalias-maps-endanger-public-safety/
Key Facts:
Paul Papalia released maps showing the location of shooters which were published by the media
The Office of the Information Commissioner say that the maps endangered the safety of the public and security of property (firearms)
WA Police added to the Commissioner's finding by saying that they had 'serious concerns' that the maps could be used to locate firearms.
It would appear WA Police might have objected to the maps being released by their minister but were shunned.
Contact details:
Neil Jenkins - editor@politicsreloaded.com