Cape police reassigned in wake of Kowanyama death in custody
Three police officers working at a remote Cape York community have been reassigned while the Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command investigates the death of a man in custody.
Cairns
Don't miss out on the headlines from Cairns. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Three police officers working at a remote Cape York community have been reassigned
while the Queensland Police Service Ethical Standards Command investigates the death of a man in custody.
A 51-year-old Indigenous man was found dead in a Kowanyama jail cell on November 9 shortly after he was arrested in relation to allegations of domestic violence offences.
“Initial investigations have confirmed the members involved did not have physical contact with the man at the time of the incident,” QPS said in a statement.
“The man’s family members have viewed CCTV of the incident as part of the QPS
commitment to an open and transparent investigation of this matter.
“Three QPS members involved have been reassigned to perform alternative duties outside of Kowanyama whilst the matter is under investigation.”
The man was taken into custody in relation to allegations of domestic and family violence related offences.
“While in custody, the man was located unresponsive in his cell,” the statement said.
“First aid was immediately provided, and the man was urgently transported to Kowanyama Medical Clinic, where he was declared deceased.”
A coronial inquest will be held into the death.
More Coverage
Originally published as Cape police reassigned in wake of Kowanyama death in custody
Police station sale sparks discussion over Gordonvale’s future
Claims a historic building was sold from under the noses of a Far North community group have been rebuffed by Labor, with calls to rejuvenate a beloved town square emerging as a key election issue.
‘Ridiculous thing’: LNP candidate dodges abortion, VAD questions
Far North voters are more concerned with crime, cost of living and housing than changes to abortion and voluntary assisted dying laws, the LNP’s candidate for Barron River Bree James says.