NW shooting probe to look at cop tactics

AN inquest into the death of a North-West man shot by police near Burnie three years ago starts next month and will examine police tactics and training.

At a case management conference in Hobart yesterday, Coroner Olivia McTaggart said the inquest into Robert Edward McInerney’s death would cover two broad issues: Mr McInerney’s physical and mental health in the lead-up to his death and police tactics and strategies used on the night he was shot and the training officers receive.

“[The inquest will be] looking at training for officers of Tasmania Police in respect of police-provoked shootings … whether the training as at the time of the shooting was adequate and what the appropriate level of training for that type of incident is going forward,” Ms McTaggart said.

The evidence will include information from Tasmania Police about the training it provides to recruits and officers.

Mr McInerney, 48, of Cooee, was shot on May 24, 2016. According to police, he was armed with knives and ignored repeated calls to drop the weapons.

Seven police officers went to a block of units in Stitz St, Cooee, at 7.30pm after Mr McInerney rang triple-0 saying he was armed.

Despite the use of capsicum spray, police said Mr McInerney charged at an officer. He was shot in the stomach and upper leg and died soon after in the North-West Regional Hospital.

Ms McTaggart said Mr McInerney had received “comprehensive” assistance for his mental health concerns.

However, she said she did not expect to make any adverse findings about those involved in Mr McInerney’s health care.

Ms McTaggart adjourned the case until July 22, which is when the inquest is due to start in Devonport.