Racism hindered NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, inquest found

An inquest has revealed that systemic racism severely compromised the NSW police investigation into the 1988 death of Indigenous teenager Mark Haines, leading to an initial finding of suicide that was later overturned by a coroner. The investigation was described as "deeply flawed, superficial, and inadequate from the outset." This case highlights the ongoing issues of racial bias within law enforcement and underscores the importance of fair and thorough investigations, especially concerning Indigenous Australians. The findings are crucial as they shed light on the need for systemic changes to ensure justice for marginalized communities.