Qld: Coroner to probe police officer's shooting death

AAP General News (Australia)
04-22-2008
Qld: Coroner to probe police officer's shooting death

(Eds: Updates age, rank and years of service of officer on advice from police.)



By Evan Schwarten

BRISBANE, April 22 AAP - A coroner will investigate the shooting death of a female
prostitution squad detective in an incident at a Brisbane police complex today.

The death of the 37-year-old detective senior sergeant is not being treated as suspicious,
but would be investigated by the Queensland coroner, police said.

The officer died after a shot was fired from a police-issue pistol about 8am (AEST)
today at the complex in Wecker Road at Mansfield, on Brisbane's southside.

Police union president Cameron Pope told reporters there were no untoward signs leading
up to the incident.

"There is nothing that we have seen or that I am aware of that could have prevented
this incident," Mr Pope said.

"There has not been a single issue raised that I'm aware of that was an indicator to
this incident."

Mr Pope said the officer, who police have declined to name, greeted co-workers on her
arrival at the Mansfield police complex but did not otherwise talk to anyone prior to
the incident.

He said several officers in the vicinity at the time had been severely affected and
offered counselling.

The dead officer had been with the police service for 15 years and was assigned to
the prostitution investigation squad.

Mr Pope said she had been "very highly regarded" by her superiors.

"I've spoken to her officer in charge this morning," he said.

"He is very distressed about the matter and he was very glowing in his description
and praise of her."

The incident would affect police across Queensland, he said.

"There would not be a police officer in the state who wouldn't feel something heavy
in their heart today - it touches everyone," he said.

The Queensland Police Service's prostitution squad deals with about 600 cases a year.

Queensland has 24 licensed brothels, as well as regulated sole operators, but all other
forms of sex work is illegal.

AAP ews/pjo/wf/sp

KEYWORD: SHOT 2ND NIGHTLEAD (PIX AVAILABLE)

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