Inquest into the death of Gordon Copeland

Case Number: 2021/200437

Findings Date: 18 April 2023

Magistrate: Teresa O'Sullivan

CORONIAL LAW | death by drowning; First Nations death; Gomeroi man; police search

Responses

Recommendations

The Commissioner of the NSW Police Force

1. That the NSW Police Force review their training in relation to the history of First Nations Peoples to ensure that it is as comprehensive as possible in relation to the history of colonisation and the ongoing impact of colonisation on First Nations peoples today. Where possible, Aboriginal Liaison officers should be engaged in delivering ongoing training for Police.

2. That the NSW Police Force consider providing officers with training on trauma-informed communication with families, particularly First Nations families, when they are concerned about a missing person.

3. That the NSW Police Force review their training, for both recruits and current employees, in relation to critical decision-making training, to improve critical thinking in situations such as the preliminary search along the river.

4. That the New England Police District, encompassing Moree Police, conduct a review of the available rescue resources, taking into account their unique environment, including the river systems, to determine what further rescue equipment should be kept at stations and in vehicles.

5. That the New England Police District, encompassing Moree Police, conduct a review of the available training courses, taking into account their unique environment, including the river systems, to determine whether further courses should be offered to police.

6. That the NSW Police Force review their formal debriefing to determine if it is adequate to provide NSW Police with the necessary advice and support after experiencing a trauma like Gordon’s death, particularly to determine what can be learnt and how officers can support each other.