Victoria police have expressed 'extreme disappointment' at the behaviour of two officers involved in policing climate change protests in Melbourne last week. One officer was photographed with a sticker on his body camera reading 'EAD hippy', while another was found to have posted 'inappropriate memes' on his social media.
The officer who posted the memes, including images of Pepe the frog, was also criticised after being photographed making a hand gesture. Police have repeatedly stated the gesture was an 'are you OK' sign directed at two protesters who appeared distressed, and deny it was a 'white power' symbol.
In a statement on Saturday, Victoria police said the officer had been reprimanded in relation to the social media posts, which are closely associated with online alt-right communities. The force said it was assessing the material to decide if further action was required.
Regarding the second officer, police confirmed the photograph of the sticker on his body camera was legitimate. 'We are still working to ascertain how and why this comment was on his camera,' a spokesperson said. 'The community can be reassured this is not the type of behaviour we expect from our officers.'
Victoria police said the behaviour detracted from an 'otherwise professionally conducted operation and tarnishes the reputation of all of our officers'. Both matters are being investigated by the professional standards command, and disciplinary action is being considered.
