Former Officer's Pattern of Violence and Cover-Up Uncovered
A former New South Wales police constable has been found to have engaged in serious misconduct after an independent investigation revealed he used excessive force on six separate occasions and deliberately destroyed incriminating body-worn video evidence.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) published its findings on Monday, detailing how the 31-year-old officer repeatedly employed unjustified violence between February and April 2024 before attempting to conceal his actions.
Violent Arrest of Teenagers
The investigation, codenamed Operation Bendoc, began after concerns were raised about the officer's conduct during the arrest of two teenagers on 16 February 2024.
Police had responded to reports of four young people with weapons at a train station allegedly attempting to fight another individual. Officers arrested two people aged 14 and 15, while others escaped.
The report found the former constable physically threw one teenager to the ground and kicked them with significant force as they screamed in what was described as 'fear and pain'.
During the same incident, he delivered three separate kicks to the stomach of the second teenager. An affidavit prepared by the Aboriginal Legal Service later documented that their client had been assaulted during the arrest and sustained visible facial grazes.
Deliberate Destruction of Evidence
The former officer admitted to the commission that he had disposed of two body-worn video devices containing evidence of his misconduct by throwing them into a body of water.
"I certainly felt so angry that my response was to lash out and kick him," the former constable told the commission regarding the February arrest.
His resignation from the NSW police force was accepted by the police commissioner in June, one month after the LECC launched its formal investigation.
Colleagues Failed to Report Misconduct
The investigation further uncovered that the former constable had confessed aspects of his conduct, including using excessive force on two occasions and destroying the video evidence, to four fellow police officers.
None of these officers reported the suspected misconduct, and the commission found their failure to act also amounted to serious misconduct.
The LECC has recommended that the police commissioner take reviewable action against these four officers under the police act.
Commission's Strong Response
Chief Commissioner Peter Johnson SC described the findings as "deeply troubling," stating that Operation Bendoc had revealed "the repeated use of gratuitous force by a police officer for punitive reasons."
"Punishment of offenders is a matter for the courts. It is no part of the function of police officers," Johnson emphasised.
He expressed particular concern about the destruction of body-worn video devices to "conceal an unlawful act," noting that "strong action is necessary to deter officers who do not comply with these important requirements."
Johnson also addressed the wider issue of police reluctance to report colleagues' misconduct, stating this approach "erodes community confidence in the integrity of a police force."
Recommendations and Potential Consequences
The commission has made several recommendations, including that the NSW police force provide additional support to officers experiencing "excessive stressors" and potential mental health concerns.
It also called for enhanced training on the duty to report suspected misconduct.
The LECC has referred its findings to the director of public prosecutions for consideration, which could lead to criminal investigation and potential jail time for the former officer.
According to the report, serious misconduct includes conduct that could result in prosecution carrying up to five years' imprisonment or serious disciplinary action.
