Police make a move on First Instance Warrants

ACT Policing has joined forces with NSW Police in a coordinated effort to address the issue of outstanding ‘First Instance Warrants’ (FIWT).

There are approximately 1300 FIWT’s in the ACT for crimes such as shop lifting, not attending court or late tax returns.

Judicial Operations Acting Superintendent Donna Hofmeier said letters would be sent to those persons with outstanding FIWT asking them to come forward and have their particular matter resolved.

“Many people may be unaware they have a warrant in existence until they receive the letter so it will be a chance for them to have the matter resolved in a timely and convenient manner, and to remove any future worry about being arrested,” Acting Superintendent Hofmeier said.

“If someone receives a letter, it’s important they call and make a time with the City Police Station to have the matter finalised.”

“Those people that choose to ignore this courtesy letter risk being arrested for their outstanding warrant – so it’s in their best interests to come forward and have the matter settled.”

“ACT Policing will be on hand to help streamline the process.”

NSW Police Superintendent Murray Johnstone said actioning outstanding warrants was a routine part of policing duties, however their volume can be reduced through a concerted and coordinated effort across jurisdictions.

“ACT and NSW Police work closely on a number of policing matters and dealing with outstanding warrants is another example of that close partnership,” Superintendent Johnstone said.

“Due to our jurisdictions and sharing borders both agencies will be working together in an effort to assist each other clear as many of these outstanding FIWT as possible.”

Those people that receive a first instance warrant letter are urged to contact the Service & Process Team at City Police Station on (02) 6256 7777 or act-service&process-team@afp.gov.au during business hours to arrange finalisation of their particular matter.

[Courtesy ACT Policing]