Jamie Chalker vows to find individuals who allegedly threw substances at police officers

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker has slammed the behaviour displayed by anti-mandate protesters on Saturday, with efforts underway to find individuals who allegedly threw substances at officers.

POLICE Commissioner Jamie Chalker has vowed to find individuals who allegedly threw substances at police officers at an anti-mandate rally on Saturday.

On Sunday Mr Chalker condemned the behaviour of the protesters, who attempted to attend a rally in Darwin CBD but were stopped by police at a checkpoint near Darwin High School.

After their car convoy was stopped, protesters began marching through parkland to try to get into the CBD but were stopped by a police blockade.

Individuals in the group then allegedly began throwing punches, chemicals and pelting rocks at officers.

Mr Chalker described Saturday as a “disgraceful day”.

“There were a number of Territorians, if they can claim to be Territorians, that let us down,” he said.

“To every single person at that rally: some of you may have gone there with the intent of thinking you were just going to go on a peaceful demonstration. That was never the intent by the core group of those people.

“You should be ashamed that you associated yourself with those people.”

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker criticised the behaviour of protesters on Saturday. Picture Julianne Osborne

Mr Chalker said investigations were underway, with the vast majority of protesters likely to be fined for breaching the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

“We know who you are and you can expect a visit for the vast majority as we play catch up with the activities of yesterday. $5024 fines will be the minimum,” he said.

“To the individuals that threw liquid at the police officers … we’re coming for you.

“We’ll forensically analyse what it was (liquid) … The members who were affected felt it was particularly hot and that it also had a bitter taste. It entered the mouths of a number of our officers and had an immediate effect of burning.”

In a statement on Sunday, NT Police said seven people were arrested at the scene on Saturday and later charged with offences including: aggravated assault, assault on police, riotous behaviour and failing to abide by the Chief Health Officer’s directions.

Another two men were arrested Saturday evening after they went to the Darwin Police Station.

Superintendent Daniel Shean said all were bailed to appear in court at a later date.

“This behaviour was nothing short of disgraceful. Our officers have had chemicals, rocks and punches thrown at them in the course of enforcing the CHO Directions,” Supt Shean said.

“These directions are designed to keep the community safe and officers should be able to go about their duties safely.”

NT Police Association Paul McCue called the behaviour cowardly and said the result of the protest indicated more funding was needed to boost capabilities.

“A peaceful and lawful protest is acceptable, throwing rocks and substances at our officers is not. It is cowardly and inexcusable,” he said.

“It is quite clear immediate additional emergency funding is needed to boost public order response capability in the light of yesterday’s attack on our members. The drawdown in this capability several years ago has left a void which government must fill immediately before any more of our officers go home injured.”

Originally published as Jamie Chalker vows to find individuals who allegedly threw substances at police officers