Thousands of New South Wales prison officers strike over co-worker murder

The charges are related to the 2019 shooting of an escaped inmate from Lismore Base Hospital.

The prison officer was charged with manslaughter, but prosecutors later upgraded the charge to murder.

Prison officials claim that when a fugitive inmate assaulted another officer and tried to escape, the officer acted on protocol and he had no other choice.

“As soon as a prisoner used force to initiate an escape, the protocol was very clear: warn the fleeing prisoner, and if there is no response, aim at the body and shoot,” said the Public Service Association NSW Executive Director. Stewart Little said.

“Cop A didn’t go to work that fateful day because he wanted to shoot someone. His life was ruined by this moment. He can’t work. His health and family life have deteriorated.He is a victim, not a murderer.”

He mostly defended the police officers’ actions, stating that “it is morally wrong to hold one individual accountable.”

“Prison officers work incredibly hard at dangerous jobs to maintain the toughest parts of the justice system that we all benefit from,” he said.

“If they had to worry about having their lives ruined by murder charges for following protocol, they would quit en masse and not come back.”

He added that the increased charges would make prison officers question the use of weapons.

“If they don’t use weapons, they shouldn’t be deployed. We need to make it clear that if they do use them, they won’t be charged with murder,” Little added. I got

The strike is expected to affect all correctional facilities in the state, and about 6,000 police officers have been asked to join the action.