NT Police officer from Central Australia resigns amid investigation into crash

One cop has resigned and another is suspended amid an investigation into an alleged drunken crash near an NT resort

A POLICE officer from a dry community in Central Australia and his colleague were suspended amid an investigation into an alleged drunken joy ride in a police paddy wagon around the Ayers Rock Resort, which ended when the vehicle crashed into a stone pillar at its entrance, a source has told the NT News.

The NT News understands one of the police officers has since resigned.

It has left the Aboriginal community of Mutitjulu, located at the eastern end of Uluru, without any police officers. The 1600-person community grapples with one of the highest rates of domestic violence, assaults, and alcohol and drugs incidents of all remote NT communities.

A local resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said the Mutitjulu officer (who is not permitted to buy alcohol because he resides in a dry community) was driving around Yulara, 25km north of Mutitjulu, with police lights flashing and picked up a number of people and drove them around the area.

She said she saw NT Police officers investigating in Yulara a few days later.

The stone pillar welcoming guests to the Ayers Rock Resort. Picture: StreetView

The same stone pillar on December 9, 2021, slightly less welcoming. Picture: Supplied.

“Two detectives with cameras were taking photos of the rock formation that was destroyed,” she said. “And when I drove through the entrance station (in Yulara) the staff told me there were detectives in here just before checking CCTV footage.”

According to the source, the second police officer who is usually in Mutitjulu is away from the community and is currently under investigation over a separate matter.

The woman said the police incident had left her “pissed off” and concerned for hers and others’ safety in the community.

“This is someone who’s setting an example for Anangu (the traditional landowners),” she said.

“And every time anything happens, you ring up the police and no one ever comes. There’s just so much happening here right now, and now we have no police.”

The closest police station to Mutitjulu is in Yulara, a 30-minute drive away.

NT Police confirmed they were investigating a motor vehicle crash that occurred near Yulara on Saturday, November 27 involving a 48 year old off duty police officer.

The off duty officer was the sole occupant of the vehicle at the time of the crash.

Alcohol is believed to be a contributing factor in the crash.

Investigations by Crime and the Professional Standards are underway into the circumstances of the crash and any subsequent actions after the crash.

Police confirmed the incident was related to a string of charges laid against two police officers earlier this week.

Both officers, 44 and 48, were charged with attempting to pervert the course of justice and making a false declaration, and the 48-year-old was additionally charged with driving without due care, and driving under the influence of alcohol.

The two men will appear before the Alice Springs Local Court on December 16.

Originally published as NT Police officer from Central Australia resigns amid investigation into crash