2018-04-03
The Victorian Greens are renewing their calls to establish an independent body to investigate complaints of police brutality in light of a distressing video appearing to show a disability pensioner being beaten and hosed down by officers while he was restrained on the ground.
This incident follows a video aired earlier this year taken at the Merri Railway Station appearing to show a PSO restraining a man while another attacks him with a baton.
Quotes attributable to Victorian Greens spokesperson for Justice, Sue Pennicuik.
“It is clear we cannot have police investigating other police in these cases of alleged abuse by police. I have previously called for the establishment of an independent body to investigate death or injury as a result of police contact, and now is the time for the two major parties to support it.
“The establishment of an independent body was recommended by the former director of the Office of Police Integrity, and until this gains the support of the Parliament, we risk more of these incidents not undergoing the level of investigation they warrant.
“IBAC is specifically designed to investigate corruption. We need a separate body to focus solely on incidents of death or injury as a result of police contact.”
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Media contact: Sue Pennicuik: 03 9530 8399