Police officer charged with murder over shooting death of Joyce Clarke
A Western Australian police officer has been charged with murder over the shooting death of Geraldton woman Joyce Clarke.
Major Crime Division officers travelled to the town 400 kilometres north of Perth on Thursday to arrest the officer.
Yamatji woman, Joyce Clarke. This photo has been published with the permission of Ms Clarke's family.
The Yamatji woman was shot in the Geraldton suburb of Karloo on September 17 last year.
Witnesses said Ms Clarke, 29, was carrying a knife when she was shot by police on Petchell Street at about 6.15pm.
She later died at Geraldton Regional Hospital. Friends and family gathered for a "meeting" to protest and ask why she was shot by police rather than being Tasered.
WA Police Commissioner Chris Dawson confirmed in September that eight officers in four separate squad cars attended after receiving reports of Ms Clarke acting erratically.
Mr Dawson said a full investigation into Ms Clarke's death had begun, but said no officers were equipped with body cameras or stab-proof armour vests when they attended as they had not yet received the equipment or the training to use them.
WA Police confirmed the police officer had been detained and taken to Perth Magistrates Court on Thursday.
He has since been charged with murder.
The WA Police Union confirmed it was supporting the member throughout the investigation and subsequent law proceedings.
"We stand by the police officer 100 per cent and will do throughout this ordeal," union president Harry Arnott said.
"Our focus is on the member’s welfare and ensuring his rights are protected."
National Suicide Prevention and Trauma Recovery Project director Megan Krakouer said the Aboriginal community across Australia would watch the situation closely.
Ms Krakouer has worked to support 31 members of Ms Clarke's family since her death and they were pleased police were taking steps towards "justice for Joyce".
"We can never forget the son of Ms Clarke, who now grows up without a mum," she said.
George Newhouse from the National Justice Project said Ms Clarke's adoptive mother Anne Jones "has conducted herself with dignity throughout this traumatic and extended process.
"All she can do now is hope that there is a just outcome for her and her daughter."
Investigations are continuing.
Following Ms Clarke's death last year a group of people gathered outside the Geraldton Police Station, many holding the Aboriginal flag.
Signs by protesters read "is it open season on blackfellas?", "what is a Taser for? RIP Joyce", and "black lives matter".
One woman told Nine News Ms Clarke should not have been shot.
“If she had a knife, Taser her. Don’t shoot her,” she said.
With 6PR