From the outset I have been clear that the integrity of the criminal judicial process had to be maintained once charges were laid following the death of Kumanjayi Walker in Yuendumu on Saturday 9 November 2019.
An investigation into the incident at Yuendumu began immediately. As a result a brief was provided to the Director of Public Prosecutions and consequently a charge was laid.
The DPP, on further consideration of the brief, subsequently added a further two alternative charges.
To suggest that this normal investigative and prosecutorial process, between a police force and DPP, was in any way interfered with, or had any political involvement or interference is factually incorrect. Such unfounded allegations are an affront to the critical independence of the Northern Territory police and the DPP and damage the trust and confidence in the criminal justice system which must be held by the community.
Constable Zachary Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges in the Darwin Supreme Court on Friday 11 March 2022.
I acknowledge this has been an extremely difficult and distressing time for many in the community, the Northern Territory Police Force, and Constable Rolfe, his family and friends.
Since the time of the incident my thoughts have been with everyone involved.
Notwithstanding the acquittal of Constable Rolfe I can understand that there are still many questions that the community has that are unanswered.
A substantial coronial inquest is scheduled for later in the year, and many of those questions will be answered in that process.
Although not a criminal proceeding, the coronial inquest process also deserves the utmost respect. The Northern Territory police will fully co-operate with the Coroner, and the inquest is the proper venue to answer or address those questions. Until that inquest is held I am constrained in what I can say.
We will continue to work on our relationships with all Territorians.
The Northern Territory police has a proud history of engagement with people across remote, regional and urban areas of this place we call home.
Our people work 24 hours a day, 365 days a year serving and protecting the community.
I am proud of our people and I am proud to be the Commissioner of Police and CEO of the Fire and Emergency Services.
Jamie Chalker APM
Commissioner and CEO
