Police discretion a fine option
BUNBURY police officers will have the choice to issue a $500 on-the-spot fine for petty offences instead of an arrest and court process in a "groundbreaking" move that will drastically change policing in the region.
WA Police Assistant Commissioner Gary Budge said Bunbury would be the State's first regional centre to have the system, within six weeks.
The long-awaited changes - which passed State Parliament in 2011 but put on hold pending an IT system to manage non-traffic fines - allow police to issue infringements for offences of disorderly behaviour and stealing property valued at less than $500.
Mr Budge said the system would be operating in the Perth CBD from Monday and Statewide in June.
"This is groundbreaking for us," Mr Budge said. "It is an initiative that is going to allow us to put a lot more police officers back on the street and out in the community and doing the work the community thinks is important.
"If there are more police on the road and in the community, the chances of being caught offending are far greater.
"So hopefully that deterrent effect will become stronger.
"Is there the potential for other offences to be linked to this in the future? Yes there is."
Mr Budge said police retained discretion on whether to issue the fine, which could be challenged in court.
Offenders would have 28 days to pay the infringement - sent in the mail similar to the process for issuing speed camera fines - and then be given another 28-day demand notice.
If paid in full, no criminal conviction would be recorded. If unpaid, the matter would be referred to the Fines Enforcement Registry, which could then take action such as suspension of a driver's licence.
Police Minister Liza Harvey said the system gave police more flexibility in dealing with criminal behaviour and would also introduce a procedure that meant stolen items were not seized and could be swiftly returned to the owner.
"Currently, police spend a considerable amount of time processing offenders at police stations and preparing for court appearances for petty theft and other minor offences," she said.
