NSW Police will introduce new firearm procedures following a comprehensive review prompted by the alleged murders of former TV presenter Jesse Baird and his partner, Qantas flight attendant Luke Davies.
The pair were allegedly murdered by former police officer Beau Lamarre-Condon, whom police allege used his police-issued firearm to kill them.
Police allege that Lamarre-Condon checked out his police pistol three days before his shift on a Sunday and returned it on Tuesday, after the murders.
At the time of announcing the review, Police Commissioner Karen Webb said: “It’s a failure if someone is using a service firearm in the manner that’s alleged, which is why it’s necessary to have a review.”
Following this, a task force was established to identify areas for improvement in how NSW Police handle firearms and to implement long-term solutions.
The key recommendations of the report include the creation of an arms and appointments manual, which will consolidate various policies and give clear instructions for the approval and movement of a firearm away from its usual command.
Another recommendation was to digitise the application form required to store firearms away from an officer’s host command, as well as the firearms movement register.
Digitising this register will enable the force to better track and report the location of firearms in real time and monitor storage location approvals and inspection compliance.
“While the work is not yet complete, I am confident the review and its recommendations represent a clear path for improvement in this area,” said Webb.
The digitisation of the application form to store arms is expected to be in place by December 2024.
The full review and the new arms and appointments manual have not been deemed suitable for public disclosure.
This article was written by Eliot Hastie, who knew Baird.
Eliot Hastie is a senior news producer at Channel Ten, reporting on a range of general stories, specialising in foreign affairs and LGBTQ+ stories. He’s also a reporter for Gay Sydney News, where he covers LGBTQIA+ culture, politics and nightlife. He previously helped to build and launch ausbiz, Australia's only live streaming finance news channel, where he was also an executive producer and host. He has previously worked as a finance and business journalist for publications including Fintech Business, Real Estate Business and other Momentum Media titles. Eliot holds a journalism degree from the University of Westminster and brings experience in both broadcast and digital reporting. Contact Eliot: eliot.hastie@gaysydneynews.com.au
