Six Month Review: Resolution Outcomes

All 13 child assault events involving "smacking" and 65 of the 69 "minor acts of physical discipline" events against children, resulted in a warning or no further Police action.

Of the 69 "minor acts of physical discipline" events against children four were prosecuted as follows:

• Two were charged with Assault Child (manually)
• Two were charged with Common Assault

These prosecutions were spread nationally and not concentrated in any one district.

To date resolutions for the above four prosecutions are as follows:

• One withdrawn due to completion of the Police Adult Diversion scheme
• Three remanded on bail to appear late June/early July

Commissioner's Circular

As with the previous review, all Police Districts, including the Child Abuse Investigators, were surveyed to seek anecdotal feedback on practice issues and the usability of the Commissioner's Circular. All of the feedback from those who replied commented that they considered the Commissioner's Circular to be a 'common sense' and helpful guideline and consider no changes are required at this point.

Police are confident that the same 'common sense' approach is being taken to these events as has always been taken, with Officers using their discretion to ensure the appropriate action is taken.

Rob Pope Deputy Commissioner, Operations