Two Victoria Police officers have been charged with assault after allegedly using a Taser and knee to repeatedly strike a man in the head during an arrest last year. Despite the charges, the officers remain on duty, police have confirmed.
Allegations from IBAC Investigation
The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) stated it had charged the two officers following an investigation into the force used during an arrest of an Indigenous man in Melbourne’s east last August. According to IBAC, a Senior Constable allegedly struck the man in the head with a Taser multiple times, and a Sergeant allegedly struck him in the head with a knee.
The Senior Constable has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, while the Sergeant has been charged with unlawful assault. Both officers are expected to appear before the Ringwood Magistrates Court on 11 September.
Officers Remain on Duty
Victoria Police confirmed the officers were charged on Wednesday and said all further enquiries should be directed to IBAC. In a statement, police said, “The members continue to work in their current roles.”
Operation Ginkgo and Broader Context
The IBAC investigation, codenamed Operation Ginkgo, was conducted by the focused police complaints team (FPCT), which assesses and investigates serious allegations of police misconduct against communities at higher risk, including First Nations people. IBAC said that as the matter is now before the court, no further information is available.
IBAC noted that the FPCT is responsible for an increase in the number of complaints it investigates involving police. However, data released in March showed the commission investigated just 2% of all complaints it received regarding police last year.
