Territory Response Group to be sent to Wadeye after third attack on NT Police in three days
The TRG and dog squad are on the way to Wadeye after the third attack on police in as many days – with the latest scuffle involving an attempt to grab an officer’s taser and firearm.
Northern Territory
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The Territory Response Group (TRG), Territory Safety Division and Dog Squad are heading to Wadeye after the third attack on a police officer in as many days.
The latest incident occurred on Friday at about 9.30pm when local officers were conducting patrols when they saw a 31-year-old man allegedly push a 48-year-old woman to the ground.
The man allegedly resisted arrest and tried to disarm an officer of their taser, resulting in it failing to the ground, where it was recovered and not used.
Several people allegedly swarmed the officers during the arrest attempt and an unknown person struck them on the backs, and one officer on the head.
The group then allegedly armed themselves with rocks and blunt objects and threatened the officers, who managed to secure the initial alleged offender and escape to their police vehicle.
The 31-year-old allegedly assaulted an officer by striking her chest, indecently touching her and attempting to grab her firearm, which was kept out of his reach.
After a brief struggle he was restrained.
He is expected to be charged with multiple offences.
In the second incident, a 23-year-old man was arrested for allegedly attempting to throw a blunt object at officers, before a 53-year-old community elder allegedly shoved a police member to the ground.
NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy said recent behaviour against police “has been disgraceful” and required further police resources to be sent to the area.
“It is absolutely unacceptable that police have been assaulted once again while executing their duties to serve and protect the community,” he said.
“I am thankful that no one was seriously hurt during this incident, and I commend the two members involved for their professionalism in the way they managed a very challenging situation.”
He said he would call a meeting with the Northern Land Council, alongside Community Resilience and Engagement Command Executive Director Leanne Liddle, among other community stakeholders and leaders on Monday.
“I will be arranging for further police resources to be sent to the area, including the Tactical Response Group, the Territory Safety Division, and the Dog Operations Unit,” Commissioner Murphy said.
“We cannot tolerate this behaviour further and will support the community and relevant stakeholders to ensure action is taken immediately.
“The solution is not solely a police issue, the community has responsibility.”
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the attacks on police were “absolutely abhorrent and will not be tolerated”.
“Our police officers risk their lives every day to protect our communities, they deserve our respect and support, not to be targets of violence,” she said.
“Under our Government’s new reducing crime laws, offenders convicted of assaulting frontline workers face a mandatory minimum sentence of three months’ imprisonment.
“These laws send a clear message, the safety of our police is paramount, and those who commit such disgraceful acts will face the full force of the law.
“There is no place for this behaviour in the Northern Territory.”
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