WA Police disciplines officer filmed pushing man to ground in Broome

Australia Broadcast Center

19-06-2025

Western Australia Police has disciplined an officer who pushed a man to the ground in Broome earlier this year but will not release details of what action has been taken.
The WA Police Internal Affairs Division began investigating the matter in February when a video emerged on social media.
It showed part of an altercation between a Broome police officer and a man filmed at Male Oval in Broome's town centre.
The oval is a hub for people sleeping rough in the Kimberley town, 2,000 kilometres north of Perth, and is regularly patrolled by police.
In the video, which starts with the pair standing next to a police van, the officer pushes the man to the ground before getting into his police car and driving away.
At the time, Kimberley Police Superintendent John Hutchison said the video was "disappointing" given the work of his officers to build community relationships.
WA Police said the officer was placed on administrative duties while the Internal Affairs Division investigated.
That investigation concluded in March, with an "internal disciplinary process" taking place since then, which was finalised today.
"The Western Australia Police Force expects the highest standards of behaviour by our officers," a police spokesperson said.
"Any breaches of our code of conduct are treated seriously and thoroughly investigated, with real-time oversight by the Corruption and Crime Commission.
"The officer involved in this incident has been stood aside from operational duties since the incident occurred.
"Disciplinary proceedings have now concluded and suitable disciplinary action has been taken in relation to this matter.
"The officer will soon return to full duty but remains subject to that disciplinary action."
In response to further questions from ABC, police did not outline details of the disciplinary action or what considerations were made.