NSW Police released an image of Julian Ingram that has sent social media into a frenzy. Photo: NSW Police.
NSW Police has explained why it described a fair-skinned alleged murderer on the run as being of “Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance”, as officers battle extreme heat on the fifth day of the search for him.
Julian Ingram remains wanted in connection with the murder of three people in Lake Cargelligo last Thursday (22 January).
Assistant Commissioner Andrew Holland said investigators had searched a property near Mount Hope, where there was a reported sighting of Mr Ingram over the weekend. Mount Hope, a tiny town with a population of just 16, is 200 km north of Griffith. The temperature hit 44 degrees Celsius in this area on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, NSW Police’s continued description of Mr Ingram as being of “Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander appearance” has sent social media into a frenzy, especially after a photo circulated showing Ingram as a fair-skinned man who could also have Anglo-Saxon heritage.
Former Wagga councillor Paul Funnell said those listening to this description on the radio would have driven straight past Mr Ingram without noticing him as the suspect fled Lake Cargelligo in a vehicle.
He blamed “political correctness” for what he believed was poor communication.
“How can the public help the police if we don’t put out proper facts?” he asked.
Contacted by Region, NSW Police explained the decision.
“The NSW Police Force is aware Julian Ingram identifies as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent as a result of prior interactions with him,” a spokesperson said.
“During every interaction, Ingram has identified himself as being of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander descent.
“Aboriginal Affairs made contact with the NSW Police Force and confirmed that Ingram’s father is of Aboriginal descent, which also supports the decision to describe him as an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander male.”
Bathurst-based organisation Dhiiyaan Nhanya Aboriginal Genealogy, which helps Indigenous families trace their heritage, criticised the descriptor from a different perspective.
“Multiple Aboriginal community members of Lake Cargelligo and surrounds … have contacted me to advise that Julian Ingram (Pierpoint) does not identify as Aboriginal,” the group posted on social media.
“He is not known in the community to be Aboriginal. There has been miscommunication from police to the media.”
NSW Police media policy states “great care” must be taken when using ethnicity-based descriptors.
“The effectiveness of ethnicity-based descriptors is limited as they can be the result of emotional or prejudice-driven responses from witnesses that may be wrong,” the policy states.
NSW Police also reminded the public that Lake Cargelligo is not currently in lockdown.
“However, we encourage those in the area to avoid unnecessary travel,” a spokesperson said.
“If you need to go out, be mindful of your surroundings, exercise extreme caution and listen to the instructions of police.
“As police continue a large-scale search in the area for the offender, who is possibly armed and dangerous, the public is warned not to approach him but call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
“The same applies if you notice anything suspicious, please contact Triple Zero (000) or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.”
