Hero cop relives moment of horror
Hero cop Amy Scott feels a “sense of relief” after giving her official version to investigators of how the horror unfolded at Bondi one week ago.
The inspector who shot dead mass killer Joel Cauchi, ending his killing spree, gave her statement to investigators on Tuesday, waiting three days on the advice of police union colleagues who said it was vital she took time to make sure she was physically and mentally well.
“Amy was interviewed on Tuesday and it was with a sense of relief that she was able to give her version of events,” Police Association of NSW boss Kevin Morton told The Saturday Telegraph.
“There’s still a long road ahead with the coronial process but there is certainly a level of relief to get her version to investigators.”
While keen to get back to work with her colleagues, Mr Morton said Inspector Scott was advised to “take some time and ease back into it”.
Inspector Scott came faceto-face with the 40-year-old man brandishing a knife as she responded to the fatal stabbings of six people in Westfield Bondi Junction on Saturday afternoon.
Witnesses said the officer only had time to yell: “Put it down” before the knifeman charged her. After the man lunged at Inspector Scott, she shot him dead.
“By the end of Saturday Amy had been on the tools for the better part of 14 hours, so having time between Saturday evening and the interview meant she was well rested, in a good place,” Mr Morton said.
“The Police Association makes sure our members when they give those versions of events are in the best place they can be, we work hand-inhand with the NSW Police Force when it comes to the welfare of our members.”
Mr Morton said the inspector, who was recognised in 2019 at the Rotary Club Police Officer of the Year award for courage and devotion to duty, would know when the time was right to return.
“It’s a matter for her, she is the only one who can make that decision. It’s not uncommon for officers in this situation to want to get back,” Mr Morton said.
“She was the senior officer on shift that day with a team working under her, she would have concerns to ensure all of those staff working with her that she was in charge of are travelling okay.”
Mr Morton said Inspector Scott was “certainly aware” of the admiration from the general [public and “very appreciate of what’s been heaped upon her”.
“Being the humble person she is, she believes there are 16,000 others out there wearing the same uniform that would have done the same thing,” he said.