,
12 tweets,
3 min read
Read on Twitter
THREAD: Exclusive: Fmr Police officer Frank Caridi will tell Coronial inquest into #BourkeSt his efforts to thwart Gargasoulas stymied by CIRT @VictoriaPolice ‘I had prior dealings with the offender Gargasoulas and was fully aware of his propensity for extreme violence. 1/2
2. ‘I was also aware, from personal experience, that James Gargasoulas initiated dangerous pursuits to taunt the Police and avoid arrest. With this in mind, I put together an arrest plan which was designed to avoid a pursuit and bring the matter to a swift end.
‘This consisted of Critical Incident Response Team (CIRT) using an unmarked van to locate vehicle being driven by James Gargasoulas, & to simply block him in. This would prevent him from trying to escape. In the event pursuit occurred, the risk to the public was extremely minimal
“...considering the time was 4.30 AM and the roads would be almost bare of traffic and pedestrians.However, if the plan was properly executed, it would have prevented a pursuit. Knowing James Gargasoulas, once his vehicle was disabled, he would likely have just given himself up.
‘When I contacted CIRT unit & briefed them, person I spoke to refused to assist or come out to scene to discuss plan or possible alternative.The initial reason was did not fit their criteria ... that CIRT do not get involved in mobile arrests or pursuits.I know this to be untrue
‘On the evening of the incident, I attempted to speak to my supervisor. However, despite my attempts, he did not want to have a thorough or detailed discussion about the incident, my involvement or my concerns.
‘4 days after the incident, I had a discussion with members from Professional Standards Command who said they heard about it but also, did not want to have a detailed and thorough discussion about the incident, my involvement or my concerns.
‘Only formal request received in July 2017, from Homicide squad who asked me to provide a statement. (He was asked also to provide statement to AC Fontana).At no stage was I asked to address simple but vital q:- What happened? Could this incident have been prevented?
‘When Police use policy as excuse to avoid carrying out their duty, as described by legislation, a serious dysfunction and failure within the organisation is created.As someone w 29 yrs experience, I can tell you, it happens more often than what people realise.
‘One of truest expressions I've heard from members of public, in my 29 year career, is their taxes pay my wage. As this is absolutely true, it also stands to reason that public have a right to know how, the organisation they pay to protect them, has failed.
‘VicPol have closed ranks & have taken no responsibility for the incident. They've implied their options were limited to being reactive only... There was a golden opportunity to be proactive & carry out effective arrest which would have prevented Bourke Street Massacre...
“That opportunity was squandered.” As we @4corners reported, Frank Caridi tried to act at 4.30am morning of Bourke St massacre. Gargasoulas had just brutally stabbed his brother Angelo & was on the run. He would kill six people. Transparency is vital, @VictoriaPolice. ENDS
