An internal investigation has revealed that several WA police officers failed to fulfill their duty in responding to domestic violence reports involving a man who later murdered a mother and her daughter in Perth in 2024. Commissioner Col Blanch has announced that the police force will be implementing 18 recommendations to improve its domestic violence and firearms processes in light of the tragic incident involving Mark Bombara, 63, who fatally shot Jennifer Petelczyc and her 18-year-old daughter Gretl.
Commissioner Blanch admitted that the police failed to adequately address the warnings raised by Mark Bombara’s daughter, Ariel Bombara, and her mother about the potential danger posed by Mark. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging the mistakes made by the police and ensuring that such oversights are never repeated in the future.
Inadequate Police Response and Disciplinary Actions
Blanch disclosed that a total of eight officers were found to have neglected their duties in handling the situation in accordance with established policies and procedures. While internal disciplinary measures were taken against these officers, none of them were terminated from their positions. The commissioner highlighted the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability within the police force.
The implementation of the 18 recommendations outlined in the investigation is aimed at enhancing the response to domestic violence cases and improving the monitoring of firearms license holders. Key initiatives include the establishment of a data platform to flag individuals with firearms licenses, the creation of a dedicated team to assess domestic violence incidents across the state, and the appointment of a family violence coordinator and firearms law expert within the state operations command center on a 24/7 basis.
Voices of the Victims and Their Families
Ariel Bombara, who has been outspoken about the failures of the police in handling her family’s situation, addressed the media following the release of the investigation report. She expressed gratitude for the thorough examination of the case and the forthcoming changes that would be implemented based on the recommendations. Ariel emphasized the significance of the investigation in shedding light on the systemic issues that need to be addressed within the police force to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Reflecting on the ordeal her family endured, Ariel recounted the repeated warnings and pleas for help that were ignored by the authorities, ultimately leading to the devastating loss of her mother and sister. She acknowledged the complexity of human error but stressed the need for accountability and improvements in the system to protect individuals at risk of domestic violence.
The tragic events that unfolded in Perth serve as a stark reminder of the critical role law enforcement agencies play in responding to domestic violence cases and ensuring the safety of individuals in vulnerable situations. The implementation of the recommendations stemming from the investigation marks a significant step towards addressing the shortcomings identified within the WA Police force and safeguarding the lives of those at risk. As Commissioner Blanch and his team work to overhaul existing protocols and procedures, the hope is that such failures in duty will be rectified, and future tragedies averted.