A County Court jury today found Victoria Police Officer Ross Fowler guilty of recklessly causing injury following an investigation by Victoria’s independent police oversight body, the Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC). The co-accused, Victoria Police officer Travis Woolnough was found not guilty.
The charges follow an IBAC investigation, Operation Mersey, into the conduct of the two officers during an incident in the Southern Metro area in 2016. IBAC charged the pair with assault-related charges in December 2017.
IBAC has independent oversight of Victoria Police to ensure it acts with impartiality and accountability, and in accordance with the law. This oversight is critical because of the significant powers exercised by police officers including use of force, and powers to detain, search and arrest.
IBAC’s work aims to build Victoria Police’s capacity to address corruption and police misconduct to help prevent incidents such as those investigated in Operation Mersey.
To report public sector corruption or police misconduct now, visit or call 1300 735 135.
