Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has charged a senior constable and a sergeant with assault over the alleged unlawful striking of an Indigenous man during an arrest in Melbourne's east in August last year.
Two Victoria Police officers charged with assault over arrest of Indigenous man
Victoria's Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) has charged a senior constable and a sergeant with assault over the alleged unlawful striking of an Indigenous man during an arrest in Melbourne's east in August last year.
The senior constable is alleged to have hit the man in the head with a taser and has been charged with aggravated assault with a weapon, according to an IBAC statement.
The sergeant is alleged to have struck the man in the head with their knee and has been charged with unlawful assault.
Victoria Police said it was notified of the charges on Wednesday and confirmed both accused officers were continuing to work in their current roles.
The two officers are scheduled to appear at Ringwood Magistrates' Court next month.
The charges stem from an investigation by IBAC's Focused Police Complaints Team (FPCT). Last year, the FPCT assessed 105 complaints against Victoria Police, launched 28 investigations, and laid charges against one police officer.
The investigation is described as the latest in a series of IBAC probes into alleged misconduct by Victoria Police members.
- The name, age, or further identifying details of the Indigenous man involved are not provided.
- The specific location in Melbourne's east where the arrest occurred is not stated.
- The circumstances leading to the arrest, including the reason the man was being arrested, are not described.
- Whether the two charged officers have commented on or responded to the charges is not reported.
- Whether the Indigenous man has made any public statement or sought legal action is not reported.
- The outcome or penalty range associated with the charges at Magistrates' Court is not specified.
Read the original at ABC News Australia