NT cop Sergeant Mark Casey stood down over online comments about Commissioner Jamie Chalker

The father of an NT police officer who has been stood down without pay after he criticised his commissioner’s treatment of Zach Rolfe has called the treatment of his son a “double standard”.

THE father of an NT police officer who has been stood down without pay after he published an opinion piece online criticising his commissioner has called the treatment of his son a “double standard”.

Sergeant Mark Casey was stood down without pay after he criticised Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker’s handling of the Zach Rolfe case.

Zach Rolfe faced murder charges after he shot dead a teenager in Yuendumu in 2019.

He was found not guilty on all counts.

But now Sgt Casey’s father — a former Territory policeman himself — has spoken out supporting his son.

“Double standards - my son is suspended without pay for making comment about the COP and executive,” father Garry Casey posted on Facebook.

Garry and Mark Casey. Mark has been suspended without pay after he published an opinion piece criticising Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker. Picture: Facebook.

“Where was the last time that a member was suspended for an internal process without pay.

“We saw the likes of Bravos, McRoberts and other serving members on criminal charges and suspended on full pay - where is the equity? Members have the right as private individuals to make public comment and enter into public debate of political and social issues (S.55 Code of Conduct). Reverse the decision!”

An NT Police Association spokesperson said the NTPA would “provide ongoing support throughout whatever process takes place”.

An NT Police spokesman said the police did “not provide information about individual members”.

“All members are reminded that they are bound by the NTPF Code of Conduct and Ethics as legislated within the Police Administration Act 1978 and their oath taken by the officer as a member of the Northern Territory Police Force,” he said.

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