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Police chief apologises for death of Aussie woman, can’t guarantee dismissal of officer that shot her

The Minneapolis Police Chief has apologised for the actions of her force that caused the death of Australian woman Justine Damond Ruszczyk but could not guarantee the officer that killed her would lose his badge.

Police Chief Janee Harteau gave her first public address on the shooting of Ms Damond Ruszczyk on Saturday night by officer Mohammad Noor, having just returned from personal leave.

“Justine did not have to die,” she told media.

“This should not have happened. We want to protect with courage and simple compassion. This did not happen.

Police Chief Janee Harteau has given her first address after the shooting of Ms Damond Ruszczyk. Photo: 7 News
Police Chief Janee Harteau has given her first address after the shooting of Ms Damond Ruszczyk. Photo: 7 News
Mohamed Noor joined the department in March 2015. Source: Facebook
Mohamed Noor joined the department in March 2015. Source: Facebook

“We are talking about one individual’s actions in question.’’

The chief said due process would be followed and justice served, but when asked if she could guarantee officer Noor would not return to police duty she said she could not give that guarantee.

“But what I have assured the family is justice.”

Justine Ruszczyk Damond was shot dead by police outside her Minneapolis home. Source: AAP
Justine Ruszczyk Damond was shot dead by police outside her Minneapolis home. Source: AAP
Officer Mohamed Noor was allegedly sitting in the passenger seat of a police car when leaned over and shot across his partner. Source: Minneapolis Police Department
Officer Mohamed Noor was allegedly sitting in the passenger seat of a police car when leaned over and shot across his partner. Source: Minneapolis Police Department

It had been confirmed that the body cameras of Noor and his partner Matthew Harrity were not switched on and Chief Harteau said this should not have been the case.

“It is my belief the body cameras should have been activated,” she said.

“Although our policy is in line with city policy, in line with best practices and other departments in the state of Minnesota, we are making changes to strengthen the existing policy and to ensure the cameras run well.

Ms Damond Ruszczyk had moved to Minneapolis from Sydney two years ago to be with her fiancé Don Damond,

Her Australian and American family are expected to file a file a large lawsuit in US courts against the City of Minneapolis and Officer Noor.

Noor's attorney has confirmed that the rookie officer will not be giving an interview to invesigators.