A media statement issued by Commissioner of Police, Michael Murphy APM.
The Independent Commissioner Against Corruption (ICAC) has today released the outcome of its investigation (titled Operation Beaufort), which examined:
- Whether members of the Territory Response Group (TRG), tactical unit of the Northern Territory Police Force (NTPF) at any time in the past 12 years issued awards that are objectively racist, thereby constituting improper conduct on the part of those members under the Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Act 2017 (ICAC Act).
- Whether statutory declarations prepared by five members of the TRG contained false information and if so, whether the deponents to those declarations knew that to be the case, thereby constituting potential criminal conduct and/ or improper conduct.
The ICAC and internal investigation has now concluded, with no adverse findings made against any member of the NT Police. The ICAC concluded that there is no admissible evidence of any conduct of the five named police officers which warrants any further investigation of any potential charge against them.
The Northern Territory Police Force accepts the conclusions of the ICAC Report.
The Northern Territory Police Force has made and will continue to make significant strides in driving institutional change. We are committed to creating and delivering on a culture of safety, integrity, accountability, and professionalism. There is no place for racism or discrimination within our ranks.
The ICAC Delegate acknowledged the important advancement and work being undertaken by the police force, particularly with the work of Executive Director Ms Leanne Liddle to reform culture through employment opportunities, training and an anti-racism strategy.
The Northern Territory Police Force remain fully committed to maintaining public trust and ensuring that any concerns raised are thoroughly investigated and appropriately addressed.
We continue to learn from and acknowledge our past and build on this important work together to reform and future proof the Northern Territory Police Force.
This matter is still subject in a current coronial inquest before Her Honour, the Coroner.
