Internal police documents reveal how the force tackled violent anti-lockdown protesters

Flares, projectiles, ‘ready to fight’ — internal police documents reveal how the force prepared for violent anti-lockdown protesters.

Internal documents have exposed how Victoria Police engaged in a strategic battle with armed demonstrators at the height of Melbourne’s pandemic protest chaos.

The files reveal the force monitored key persons of interest, trying to predict and outsmart their movements, in a bid to halt illegal mass gatherings.

The planning paperwork was prepared ahead of the anti-lockdown ‘Worldwide Rally for Freedom’ protest on September 18, 2021, which was planned for Melbourne’s CBD.

It was billed in the documents as an “early disruption and prevention” strategy under which members were to approach people and ask why they were not at home.

Victoria Police clashed with demonstrators during anti-lockdown protests. Picture: Jason Edwards

That was to be at vehicle check points, car parks, the Queen Victoria Market, benches, cafes, railway stations and other locations.

But as the day wore on, police were unable to contain the hundreds of protesters who spilled into Richmond, Burnley and parts of Kew, where rocks, bottles and traffic cones were thrown at members.

Ten police officers were injured in the chaos, five of whom were hospitalised.

Victoria Police’s pre-emptive intelligence summary predicted protesters would have a “high level of hostile intent” during the rally.

“It is expected some of the attendees will be aggressive, confrontational and ready to fight,” it said.

“Flares will be discharged and if given the opportunity will assault police and damage police vehicles.

“Some will arm themselves with projectiles (marbles/ball bearings) and improvised weapons.”

At the time Melbourne was in an extended lockdown with strict restrictions in force.

Leaving home for non-essential reasons was illegal under Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton’s directives, which police were given the responsibility of enforcing.

Victoria Police documents outlining how they planned to handle the anti-lockdown protest.

More than 2100 officers were deployed to police the protest.

As many as 5000 protesters were expected to attend, presenting major concern for authorities trying to contain the spread of Covid-19 in Victoria.

Major disruption strategies included the unprecedented move of shutting down Melbourne’s public transport network from 8am as well as setting up a ‘ring of steel’ surrounding the CBD in a bid to limit the demonstration.

More than 2100 officers were deployed to police the protest across the day.

They were instructed that “any hands on a person is to be recorded as an arrest.”

Officers were briefed that some protesters were likely to stay in CBD accommodation the day before while others would use fraudulent worker permits and wear construction industry clothing to pass patrols.

“Protesters are highly likely to use the CBDs laneways, commercial premises and multistorey car parks to form up in large groups before attending the identified start location,” the briefing stated.

Police conducted more than 40 overnight patrols of multi-level car parks and monitored the homes of three persons of interest.

Maps showcasing strategy ahead of the protest reveal that more than 200 officers were engaged from dawn across 35 locations surrounding the CBD with a makeshift ring of steel.

Ten police officers were injured in the protest. Picture: Paul Jeffers

Victoria Police documents outline arrest protocols.

All police members were briefed to “engage every person” they encountered by asking “what is your reason for leaving home today”.

Police officers were encouraged to engage with anyone sitting on benches, walking the streets, sitting in parked vehicles and congregating near coffee shops.

Members were instructed to “apply a firm but fair approach” with demonstrators and were reminded that “emotions will be high” during the day.

The force warned the designated protest location at the intersection of Elizabeth and Latrobe streets was not certain.

“It is likely this location will be changed at late notice and will be communicated via Telegram,” intelligence stated.

However a post-event report flagged an “intelligence gap” with police monitoring social media channels.

“POCSIT continue to scan social media channels to ensure members are equipped with the most up to date intelligence available,” it recommended.

“This continues to be a challenge as these groups use encrypted devices and messenger services at times.”

The document also reveals police were bracing for protesters to block key roads including the Burnley tunnel, the Bolte Bridge and the West Gate Bridge.

They had notified CityLink and were subsequently conducting patrols around those arterials.

That forecast came true days later when a mob descended on the West Gate Freeway and blocked it for hours, cutting traffic to and from the east.