Worst crimes remain unsolved as NSW Police struggle with cases
POLICE have failed to improve the time it takes to catch murderers, rapists and violent thugs despite increased numbers and much better technology. Matt Leveson’s remains were only found last year after he went missing in 2007.
NSW
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POLICE have failed to improve the time it takes to catch murderers, rapists and violent thugs despite increased numbers and much better technology.
Although police numbers have increased by 1391 since 2007, the time it takes to get some of the worst criminals before the courts — known as the “clear-up rate” — has barely changed in the past 10 years.
The clear-up rate is the standard measurement by which authorities are expected to solve major crimes.
NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research figures reveal in 2017 only 11.9 per cent of offenders in sexual assault cases are apprehended after 90 days, an improvement of only 0.1 per cent on the 2007 figure.
While police have made significant gains in the clear-up rate for robbery, malicious damage, domestic violence and break and enters, murder clear-up rates have only improved 0.8 per cent to 68.3 per cent.
The remains of 20-year-old Matt Leveson were last year found in a grave in the Royal National Park. He went missing in 2007.
Matt’s then-boyfriend Michael Atkins was acquitted of murder in 2009 but was compelled to give evidence at a subsequent coronial inquest.
Atkins was granted immunity from prosecution before leading detectives to Matt’s grave.
Father Mark Leveson said it was only when he and wife Faye “complained a lot” that police stepped up their initial investigation.
He said other families must do the same if they feel they are not being listened to.
“When we speak to families in a similar situation to us, we hear the investigation is progressing well or I think: ‘Crikey, you are going down our path’,” Mr Leveson told The Sunday Telegraph.
“Initially we had less-than-competent police involved in the investigation. It was not until we complained a lot that we got somewhere.”
According to separate figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics, there has also been an increase in proportion of homicides and related offences that have not been finalised after 30 days.
The proportion of homicide investigations not finalised within 30 days has increased from 28 per cent to 43 per cent between 2014 and 2017.
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NSW has maintained the second-worst record of any state when it comes to solving homicides, behind only Victoria.
Retired homicide squad detectives have put that down to both greater demands from the Department of Public Prosecutions and technology making investigations more complex.
Earlier this year the NSW Police Unsolved Homicide Unit announced about 500 cold cases will be reviewed before detectives are assigned to focus on priority cases.
President of Support After Murder group Peter Rolfe said police need to double the number of police investigating unsolved homicides and increase all rewards to $1 million.
Both Mr Rolfe and Mr Leveson also called on police to be in more regular contact with victim’s families about the investigation.
Homicide Victim’s Support Group head Martha Jabour said police have been communicating more with families using her service.
“Families are quite happy that the cases are being sent for external review,” she said.
“But the proof will be in the pudding and the progress made in the next 6-12 months.”
Model and escort Revelle Balmain disappeared from Kingsford in 1994 and her body has never been found.
Sister Suellen Simpson remains frustrated by police efforts to find her killer.
“As her sister, I spent every weekend for 12 years going over statements, the records of interviews, writing letters and receiving minister’s (at the time) standard responses,” she told The Sunday Telegraph.
“Back then the frustration was overwhelming but now I have come to realise that she will never be found and her murder will always be unsolved.
“The police later in the investigation have done everything possible and I can’t fault them.”
Ms Simpson again raised the issue of resourcing.
“It’s been nearly 25 years since her murder and I have no real contact with the NSW Unsolved Homicide Team; after all this time any cold cases go to the back of the pack,” she said.
“I understand that events that happen today are more important than yesterday’s.
“I doubt there will ever be enough resources to solve all of these murders. If something happens, it’s just luck. It’s as simple as that.”
NSW Police State Crime Commander, Acting Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith, said it is difficult to generalise how an investigation is undertaken and the length of time that may be required to make an arrest.
“Complex investigations such as homicide and sexual-based offences, which may rely on extensive forensic examinations and testing, will often extend beyond 30 days,” he said.
“Homicide is a multifaceted crime, and often the result or consequence of another crime, which adds further complexities to an investigation.
“Ultimately, the purpose of any criminal investigation is to gather sufficient evidence to be presented at court that leaves no reasonable doubt a person or persons committed an offence.
“Police will continue to pursue justice for victims, whether it takes 30 days or 30 years.”