Officers demand gangs squad boss Robert Critchlow apologise to Strike Force Raptor
Angry NSW police officers have demanded the boss of the gangs squad apologise for remarks he allegedly made about several members of the elite Strike Force Raptor, amid an internal investigation into their arrest tactics.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Angry NSW police officers have demanded a senior officer apologise for remarks he allegedly made about several members of the elite gang fighting unit, Strike Force Raptor, amid an internal investigation into their arrest tactics.
A record number of union members attended a Police Association of NSW meeting in Parramatta yesterday, where they agreed to a motion condemning the alleged behaviour of Superintendent Robert Critchlow and calling for an apology.
Supt Critchlow, who took over the NSW Criminal Groups Squad in December, on Monday berated two officers in front of their colleagues and banned them from driving because they had rammed a car to arrest an alleged armed rapist.
“The commander said in front of 20 or so others on Monday that they should not have been pursuing the guy because he had a gun and was dangerous,” one officer said.
“(The officers) thought that was their job.’’
MORE NEWS
Bombshell ‘fake babies’ twist in Josh Reynolds assault case
Courts, cops despair at endless parade of drink-drivers
$200m snub that sparked rugby’s bitter fallout
The pair is now the subject of an internal investigation over the arrest. They have been reported for breaching the force’s safe driving policy.
But a source said the suspect had evaded police four times during previous pursuits.
“In the earlier chases the policy was adhered to and the pursuits terminated, effectively allowing him to get away and carry out an alleged rape and shooting. There are times where cops have to use that discretion and that’s what they did,” he said.
The Telegraph has been told by senior sources that there is Polair vision of the pursuit and arrest which Supt Critchlow believes warrants further investigation.
The sources said Supt Critchlow disputes making some of the remarks attributed to him.
Team morale has taken a hit since Supt Critchlow took over the squad from Supt Deb Wallace. Two officers credited with crushing outlaw bikies left the unit within six weeks of his appointment.
Chief Inspector David Adney took sudden and extended leave and Chief Inspector Darren Beeche transferred to Bankstown command.
A number of others are considering their positions.
The unit has been described as one of the most successful crime busting units in NSW police history and responsible for crushing the bikie presence across the state.
It has won international awards for its policing work.
Many in the unit are worried they are now being pushed into softening their approach when dealing with some of the worst and violent criminals.
Supt Critchlow did not comment.