Vic: Criminals exploiting name change laws: Police Association

AAP General News (Australia)
02-16-2004
Vic: Criminals exploiting name change laws: Police Association

Victorian police say criminals are casting off their records and evading police by
changing their identities.

The police say the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registry isn't notifying police of
name changes, allowing criminals to build new identities.

Police Association Victorian secretary PAUL MULLETT says there is no doubt criminals
are exploiting the system.

Senior Sergeant MULLETT says the registry has cited privacy legislation as the reason
for withholding information from the police.

And he's calling on the government to review the protocol so police are notified.

But a spokeswoman for Victorian Communities Minister JOHN THWAITES says police can
get access to name change information in cases where it's deemed necessary.

Births Deaths and Marriages registrar HELEN TRIHAS says the registry is required to
protect the privacy of people undergoing name changes.

But she says law enforcement agencies can gain access during investigations and prosecutions.

AAP RTV apw/gfr/lma

KEYWORD: IDENTITY (MELBOURNE)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.