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ABC News
6 days ago
- Politics
- ABC News
'Support for racism': NT Police officer's Thin Blue Line symbol triggers ban
A Northern Territory police sergeant with a history of racism publicly displayed an image linked to white supremacists as his Facebook cover photo for three years, only removing it last week after the ABC made inquiries. WARNING: This story contains racist and offensive language and the name of an Indigenous person who has died. Sergeant Lee Bauwens was the direct supervisor of former police constable Zachary Rolfe, who fatally shot 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker in the remote community of Yuendumu in 2019. The inquest that followed into Mr Walker's death revealed that Sergeant Bauwens shared attitudes with Mr Rolfe that were, in the words of the coroner, "plainly racist" and had "joined him in his use of racist language". Sergeant Bauwens denied in his evidence to the coroner that his team or its members were racist. Sergeant Bauwens uploaded the controversial Thin Blue Line flag as his Facebook cover image in February 2022, the day Mr Rolfe's murder trial began over the shooting death. Mr Rolfe was acquitted of all charges. The black-and-white image of the Australian flag with a blue line running horizontally through the middle has come to be associated with far-right extremism, according to academic Kaz Ross. "This is a very, very politicised, racially charged image," Dr Ross told the ABC's Indigenous Affairs Team. "In the context of inquiries into police racism in the Northern Territory, it's a very unacceptable thing to be displaying." A day after the ABC made inquiries to the NT Police, an email was sent out to staff telling them to take "immediate steps to ensure that the 'Thin Blue Line' patch is not used on any NTPF uniforms, equipment, stations, vehicles and property". "Initially the 'Thin Blue Line' concept included ideals of camaraderie, selfless service and making a difference with communities," the Commander of NT Police's Professional Standards Command said in the email leaked to the ABC. "In more recent times the symbols and concept have been negatively associated with a 'them and us' approach to policing, use of excessive force and support for racism." NT Police told the ABC the image had "never been approved" for use, but that members had last been advised against using the symbol in 2017 before it took on the present-day negative connotations. Dr Ross, an independent researcher into far-right extremism, said many police forces have banned the symbol, which she said they recognise "as a symbol of violence and of racism". "It's well known and well accepted that it is a sensitive symbol for police to display," said Dr Ross. "It's absolutely shocking that someone in such a senior position was indicating on their social media, publicly associated with their name, that they believe in the concept of the Thin Blue Line." The move to ban the symbol comes just weeks after NT Coroner Elisabeth Armitage found the Alice Springs Police Station — where Mr Rolfe and Sergeant Bauwens were stationed — normalised and "tacitly endorsed" racism, and that the Northern Territory Police Force as an organisation bore "significant hallmarks of institutional racism". She found Zachary Rolfe — who described Sergeant Bauwens "as a mentor or someone he looked up to" — held "racist attitudes" and displayed a pattern of excessive force against Aboriginal men for which his superiors, including Sergeant Bauwens, failed to hold him to account. Mr Rolfe has rejected the coroner's findings and is considering an appeal. The inquest also revealed Sergeant Bauwens used overtly racist language, calling Aboriginal people "bush c*ons" in a text message to Mr Rolfe four months before Kumanjayi Walker's death. This conflicted with evidence Sergeant Bauwens gave the coroner in April 2024 in which he claimed the word "c*on" was not used by frontline members. "As a General duties Sgt for 8 years from 2014 to 2022 those terms or words were not used to my knowledge," he said in the statement. Sergeant Bauwens also acknowledged in his evidence he had taken part in the now infamous racist awards at the Territory Response Group's (TRG) Christmas parties. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage described the so-called Noogadah awards as "among the most grotesque examples of racism uncovered at the inquest". One of the awards, for "the most c*on-like behaviour", Sergeant Bauwens acknowledged was "inappropriate" and "unacceptable". The Thin Blue Line symbol historically symbolised the idea that police stand between order and chaos and has been used to honour officers who've died in the line of duty. But experts say the "manifestation" of that concept has been evolving over the past decade and the flag has surged in popularity by some opposed to the Black Lives Matter movement. The symbol was displayed alongside the Confederate flag during the violent 'Unite the Right' rallies in Charlottesville, Virginia, in August 2017. "They were all white supremacist groups," Dr Ross said, of the 'Unite the Right' riots. "That was the core factor that united them." The symbol was also worn by some of the insurrectionists during the January 6 attack on the US Capitol. Former assistant commissioner of NT Police Jeanette Kerr told the ABC she started noticing the Thin Blue Line patch on a handful of NT Police officers' navy blue uniforms about four years ago. "I've spoken to a couple of young police and it is well known to some of them as a symbol of police solidarity. They reject that it's racism," she said. "But it can't be denied that that's in fact how it's perceived by the community." Ms Kerr left the force in 2017 after serving for 29 years. She has a Masters of Applied Criminology and Police Executive Management from Cambridge University and regularly keeps in contact with former colleagues. She supports NT Police moving to ban the public use of the symbol. "It certainly is up to the executive … Not dealing with these issues seriously undermines the legitimacy of the police force," she said. "It (inaction) can cause lack of trust and reputation in the police … then people stop reporting crime." Police forces in some other parts of Australia prohibit the display of the Thin Blue Line flag. In a statement, Victoria Police told the ABC "the Thin Blue Line patches are currently not approved for wear by Victoria Police officers", while NSW Police said its policy "prohibits the use of non-authorised embellishments on uniforms". Queensland Police told the ABC the symbol is also not an approved part of the uniform, and that while the origins of the concept were meant to be supportive of police, "there are concerns that its message has been misused to advance unrelated agendas". Some police forces across the United States and Canada have reportedly also banned their officers from wearing Thin Blue Line patches, citing their association with white nationalist groups. Dr Kaz Ross said she has noticed the Australian version of the symbol posted in the private Facebook groups of serving and former police officers. "They felt that they [police] weren't valued … were under attack, that they needed more protection and that people didn't really understand the nature of their role," she said. "They used the Thin Blue Line to kind of say, 'Well, police lives matter, blue lives matter and people aren't listening to us'. "So whenever there was some kind of blow-up in the media about police aggression or police violence, you would see a flare-up in these groups." In 2022, Victorian Police Commander Mark Galliott conducted a confidential external review into NT Police's complaints and discipline system. This internal report, marked "sensitive", was made public at the Kumanjayi Walker inquest. As well as documenting instances of racism and bias amongst police, Commander Galliott recommended the NT Police Force consider prohibiting the wearing of the Thin Blue Line insignia patches on police uniforms due to its "negative impact". This recommendation was ignored until last week when the ABC emailed NT Police. Arrernte man Nick Espie — who is a former legal director and special counsel at the Human Rights Law Centre — told the ABC it is a shame the NTPF had not acted on this earlier. "Much more needs to be done to address the inherent risks of racism that occur within the police force," Mr Espie said. "The police need to shift towards being an anti-racist organisation and developing an anti-racism strategy that covers all aspects of policy, procedure and operation." Last month the Executive Director of the NT Police's Community Resilience and Engagement Command, Leanne Liddle, said the NT Police Force is working on a "dedicated anti-racism strategy which is now in its final stages". After the Walker inquest findings were handed down in July, Acting NT Police Commissioner Martin Dole said "all forms of racism" have existed within the force at various times. "That is confronting. But it is a truth that we must face," he said. "What was tolerated in the past will no longer be acceptable. We are committed to stamping out racism in all its forms, and making this a safer, fairer organisation for everybody." NT Police did not respond to the ABC's specific questions about racism within the force. "Regarding the use of symbols, patches, or other public displays, the NTPF maintains strict social media and conduct guidelines for all officers, aimed at preventing behaviour that could undermine public trust or contribute to divisiveness," it said in a statement. "We continually review these guidelines to ensure they align with our values of professionalism and respect."
ABC News
06-08-2025
- ABC News
WA assistant police commissioner Gailene Hamilton pleads not guilty to stalking, computer charges
One of WA's most senior police officers is expected to stand trial after pleading not guilty to charges of stalking a fellow officer and illegally accessing a computer system. Gailene Sharron Hamilton appeared in the Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday after being charged in June with four offences, including pursuing another to intimidate, and unlawfully using a computer. It is alleged the offences occurred while Ms Hamilton was an officer in Karratha and Exmouth. She has been stood down from her position as assistant commissioner, to which she was recently appointed. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said Ms Hamilton had not been sacked, and it was important for the court process to run its course. 'Everyone has a right to fight any charges, but we have taken action that we think is appropriate in the circumstances,' he said. 'Primarily we need that process to go through the court and determine the validity of the evidence.' Commissioner Blanch said the alleged victim also remained employed by WA Police, and continued to receive support. He said it was 'highly unusual' for an officer of Ms Hamilton's rank to be facing allegations of this nature, and WA Police took seriously allegations of wrongdoing. 'If someone comes forward either in in the workforce or out with a complaint against police, and there is enough evidence there to go to court regardless of rank, status then we will proceed as required as appropriate," he said. Ms Hamilton is scheduled to appear in court again court in October, when a two-day trial date is due to be set. Before becoming assistant commissioner, Ms Hamilton had been an acting superintendent in WA's Pilbara region.
Daily Mail
01-07-2025
- Daily Mail
Driver punched and wrestled to the ground by police officer in 'road rage' attack wins £100k payout
A driver who was punched and wrestled to the ground by a police inspector in front of his horrified wife has won a £100,000 payout. Jonathan Mellor, who had over 30 years' police service, pushed tree surgeon Shane Price to the floor before punching him in the face and stamping on his foot in a 'road rage' row on May 26, 2021. Mr Price said the confrontation, which happened on the side of the A46 between Newark and Lincoln, had left him in pain and 'mentally traumatised'. The tree surgeon also had his legal costs covered as well as compensation, the BBC reported. The retired Lincolnshire Police officer was cleared of common assault in May 2022, however a two-day disciplinary hearing found him guilty of gross misconduct at the beginning of this year. Mr Mellor was found to have breached standards of professional behaviour relating to use of force, discreditable conduct and authority, respect and courtesy, with the panel saying he would have been dismissed had he not already retired. The former cop told the misconduct hearing that he punched the tree surgeon as a 'distraction technique' before he pinned him to the floor whilst on duty, repeatedly stating that he stood by his actions. He believed it was an appropriate use of force. Footage of the six-minute confrontation, filmed by Mrs Price, showed the two men talking before her husband gestured to Mr Mellor to pull over on the side of the road. After they alighted from their cars, the police officer, who was wearing black civilian jacket over his uniform, was seen pushing the tree surgeon towards a fence on a grassy verge. The inspector, who had over 30 years' police service, was found guilty of gross misconduct after a two-day disciplinary hearing Mrs Price then lowered her side window in order to hear their conversation, where her husband is heard accusing the inspector – who he alleged did not identify himself as a police officer. Further video showed the officer, punch Mr Price to the head and stamp on his 'injured' foot, before the pair begin grappling and Mr Price was pinned to the ground. The ex-police officer was also heard instructing the tree surgeon to stay still, while threatening to 'put [Mr Price] down'. During misconduct hearing at Lincoln's Bishop Grosseteste University, it was heard that Mr Price believed the officer had taken a picture of him on his phone while driving. Mr Mellor claimed he acted in such a way to 'create a space where I'm in control of him and out the way of traffic'. He also added if he had punched Mr Price with his 'full force' that he 'would have knocked him out', while later denying he was the aggressor or the offender. Following his acquittal at Nottingham Magistrates' Court, three years ago, Lincolnshire Police announced Mr Mellor would not face any misconduct proceedings. But the panel heard the case had been reopened as the complainant had appealed the decision. They concluded Mellor's threatening behaviour and strong language to be 'entirely unjustified' and the use of force could have been 'easily avoided'. They also the former police officer's actions were 'entirely unnecessary, unreasonable and disproportionate', and there was no reason for Mr Price to be restrained on the ground. They rejected claims of self defence, adding Mr Mellor's conduct was likely to undermine public confidence in the police service. Allegations that Mr Price was aggressive toward the former police officer as well as claims Mr Mellor was trying to protect him from stepping onto the dual carriageway were also dismissed. Jennifer Ferrario, the legally qualified chair of the independent misconduct panel, found the breaches of standards proven and that this amounted to gross misconduct. She also added that Mr Mellor had offered no apology, and showed 'no evidence of accountability'. She said Mr Mellor would have been dismissed without notice if he had not already retired. Lincolnshire Police Force confirmed the amount, but declined to make any further comment.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Yahoo
'Reckless' ex-PC would have been sacked for drugs
A police officer has been dismissed from a force after it was found he was using unprescribed anabolic steroids. Ex Essex PC Joshua Brady tested positive for anabolic androgenic steroids which are a Class C drug and only available through prescription. A misconduct hearing took place on 17 June found Mr Brady had breached professional standards and concluded he would have been sacked if he had not already resigned. Chief Constable Ben-Julian Harrington, said: "Police officers who take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor, or are not lawful, have no place in policing." Mr Brady was also placed on the College of Policing barred list. Mr Harrington added: "PC Brady was a young in-service officer with a bright future in policing who had represented police at the highest levels in sport. "But through foolish and reckless behaviour he has not only ruined his career but has put himself and the public at risk. "Police officers who take drugs that are not prescribed by a doctor, or are not lawful, have no place in policing." According to the NHS, most professional sports and organisations ban anabolic steroid use and test competitors for prohibited steroids. Anabolic steroids can be used as performance-enhancing drugs that increase muscle mass and decrease fat, as well as causing many undesirable effects. Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Yahoo
19-06-2025
- Yahoo
Key takeaways from the acquittal of Karen Read in John O'Keefe's death
DEDHAM, Mass. (AP) — Karen Read walked out of court a free woman after more than three years and two trials over the death of her boyfriend, Boston police officer John O'Keefe, who was found on the lawn of a fellow officer's home after a night of heavy drinking. Prosecutors said Read hit O'Keefe with her SUV, leaving him to die in a blizzard, and charged her with second-degree murder, manslaughter, and leaving the scene of a deadly collision. Her lawyers successfully defended her, painting a sinister picture of police misconduct and theorizing that O'Keefe was, in fact, killed by colleagues, followed by a vast cover-up. She was convicted of drunken driving, however, for which she will face a year's probation. Though her criminal case is over, Read still faces civil litigation. O'Keefe's family has filed a wrongful-death lawsuit against her and two bars where the couple drank that night. The two trials were filled with moments that raised reasonable doubt, both in the public's mind and, as illustrated by Wednesday's verdict, the minds of jurors. Here are some key takeaways: Defense lawyers asserted from the beginning that there was no collision between O'Keefe and the 6,000-pound (2,700-kilogram) SUV driven by Read, arguing instead that a crew of tightly knit local and state cops were shielding one of their own and framing her. Lead investigator Michael Proctor, who was fired from the Massachusetts State Police after the first trial for misconduct, knew some people at the party at the house outside of which O'Keefe was found. Proctor sent text messages to friends, family, and co-workers, calling Read a 'whack job' while implying that she was the lone suspect and he wanted her to pay. 'There will be some serious charges brought on the girl ... Zero chance she skates. She's f'd,' he texted just hours into the investigation. A federal agent who was at the party, Brian Higgins, acknowledged at trial destroying his phone and SIM card afterward and disposing of them in two different locations on a military base. In another exchange, Jackson questioned a former officer who originally reported seeing Higgins and the Canton police chief near the SUV in a station garage, a statement she later recanted. 'Have you ever heard of something called the blue wall of silence?' Jackson asked the officer. In closing arguments, he suggested that she changed her story under pressure from the department. The prosecution's evidence included pieces of Read's broken taillight that were recovered at the scene; accounts of the couple's crumbling relationship, fueled by booze; and several witnesses testifying that they heard her repeatedly say, 'I hit him.' But defense lawyers portrayed the case as riddled with errors, missteps, and malfeasance. They emphasized that the taillight fragments were not found immediately and argued that police had time to take them from Read's impounded vehicle and plant them. They also presented video evidence that Read's taillight could have been damaged instead when she hit O'Keefe's car at home later that morning. The shards, which the state claimed cut into O'Keefe's arm, had no blood, tissue, or DNA on them. The only DNA found was on an intact piece of taillight on Read's SUV, and it contained three possible sources — O'Keefe and two unknown males. A hair traced to O'Keefe was found on the rear of the SUV, but the defense questioned how it could have stayed there through the blizzard. Prosecutors also struggled to demonstrate that O'Keefe's injuries were consistent with being struck by a vehicle. They acknowledged not knowing how he was hit, and an accident reconstruction video they produced was panned by the defense since no one knows where he would have been standing. Meanwhile, crash reconstruction experts testified for the defense that O'Keefe's injuries were inconsistent with being hit by a large vehicle. Instead, the defense argued, O'Keefe was beaten up at the party. Neither side produced witnesses who saw him enter into the house, but the defense was able to show a fight was possible. A medical expert testified that wounds on his arm were consistent with an animal bite, supporting the theory that a family dog at the home attacked O'Keefe. A cut over his right eye and injuries to the back of his head, they said, more likely came from being punched and falling backward on a hard surface. It was hard to know, defense attorneys argued, since police never searched the home or treated anyone there as a suspect. Even Read's comments about having 'hit him' were explained away by the defense, which said prosecutors were trying to twist into a confession the dazed words of someone who was grieving and in shock. 'It wasn't a confession. It was confusion,' Jackson said, noting that it is common to be in such a state after an emotional trauma. Any number of people at the home, defense lawyers suggested, while questioning why multiple key law enforcement witnesses were never considered potential suspects or investigated. The defense did not prove that someone else killed O'Keefe, but it was apparently able to create enough reasonable doubt for jurors. Higgins, the federal agent, had sent sexually charged and flirtatious text messages to Read despite knowing she was in a relationship with O'Keefe. On the night in question, Higgins texted her while they were at a bar — 'Umm, well?' he wrote. Moments later he was seen 'play fighting' with Brian Albert, a retired Boston police detective and the owner of the home where the party took place. They defense also pointed to a group text that morning in which one person suggested they all agree that O'Keefe never entered the home and Albert said, 'exactly.' Albert, the defense said, never bothered to exit the house after O'Keefe was found. He later sold it, got rid of the family dog and ditched his cellphone. They also portrayed the family as politically connected, noting that Albert's brother was a police officer and a second brother was on the town's governing body. The defense also questioned Jennifer McCabe, Albert's sister-in-law, who was with Read when they discovered the body, about a misspelled web search: 'hos long to die in cold.' The defense argued that McCabe made it just before 2:30 a.m., but prosecutors said it was after O'Keefe was found at Read's request. McCabe was also asked why she never went in the house after finding the body, suggesting that she already knew they were safe inside. No one from the home came outside as police and paramedics gathered. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
