Twenty years on: Indigenous deaths in custody and lessons from the frontline

Chapter 12 examines those key findings of the 1991 Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody most relevant to deaths in police custody and custody-related operations. The extent to which Australian police agencies have implemented the RCIADIC recommendations is examined drawing on reports, commentary and data from each jurisdiction. Some positive initiatives, especially from Victoria, NSW and the ACT, are noted. The National Indigenous Law and Justice Framework 2009 - 2015 goes some way to ensuring that progress remains active. The author concludes that there is a critical need for independent evaluation of policiing agencies to ensure lasting improvements by police in relation to Indigenous people.