NSW Police to review MP David Elliott for allegedly impersonating cop

An assistant commissioner will review claims David Elliott impersonated a police officer after alleged road rage incident.

NSW Minister for Police David Elliott has been accused of impersonating a police officer. Picture: AAP.

NSW Police Minister David Elliott is facing a new investigation over allegations he impersonated a police officer during a road rage incident in which he told a teenage driver that he “worked for the cops’’.

A police spokeswoman yesterday confirmed North West Metropolitan Region Commander, Assistant Commissioner Mark Jones, would undertake a review of the matter, which effectively means he will be investigating his political boss.

READ MORE: NSW Police Minister in ‘road rage’ clash

Premier Gladys Berejiklian said on Friday she had “full confidence’’ in Mr Elliott after Opposition Leader Jodi McKay called for his sacking, arguing he had brought the role of police minister into “disrepute’’.

Greens MP David Shoebridge wrote to Police Commissioner Mick Fuller demanding an independent investigation by interstate police.

In a letter to Mr Fuller, Mr Shoebridge said Mr Elliott’s statement to the teenager that he ‘worked for the cops’ could give rise to an allegation he was impersonating a police officer which was an offence under s546D(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

NSW Police Minister Elliot admits that during a heated road side incident he told a young driver “I work for the cops.” He doesn’t and s546D(1) of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW) provides that a person who impersonates a police officer is guilty of an offence. pic.twitter.com/M78dlU0gQX

— David Shoebridge (@ShoebridgeMLC) November 7, 2019

The allegation that Mr Elliott grabbed the arm of the teenage driver without his consent may constitute an assault under s61 of the Crimes Act 1900 (NSW).

“Given the role of the Police Minister it is clearly inappropriate for the NSW Police Force and its officers to investigate this matter so I am asking that you give urgent consideration to an interstate [police] investigation into this incident.”

Mr Elliott has admitted “blowing up’’ during the incident in which he was accused of grabbing a teenage driver by the arm and verbally abusing him shortly after he “clipped’’ his car while he was driving to church with his wife on October 27. Mr Elliott denies touching the youth.

Mr Elliott has admitted to telling the youth he “worked for the cops” but says he then handed over his business card.

“All witnesses will be spoken to in order to ascertain if they’re in a position to provide any further information,’’ the police spokeswoman said.

But Mr Shoebridge called it a sham investigation. “The Police Minister can’t seriously be investigated by the very police force he is in charge of,” he said.

The investigation was announced as the family of the youth involved in the incident expressed consternation at their treatment by Ms Berejiklian.

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The Premier responded to a emailed complaint about Mr Elliott’s behaviour from the youth’s mother only after she was contacted by The Australian about the matter.

“I appreciate being involved in an incident at that age could be very stressful,’’ Ms Berejiklian wrote. “I understand your son has provided a statement to police outlining his version of events and the police are the appropriate authorities to investigate this matter.

“Please let me know if you would like me to refer your correspondence to the police. You can contact my chief of staff Sarah Cruikshank [sic].”

The youth’s father yesterday said he thought the response from Ms Berejiklian was “disgusting”.

He said if he, rather than the minister, had impersonated a police officer he would have been “charged”.

“My son was fearful of what was going on,” the father said.

He said of the announcement by police of a review into the incident: “I don’t agree with someone using their position to gain a benefit.

“If they’re going to put a review in, go for your life.”

Mr Elliott had been driving on Windsor Road, Baulkham Hills, on Sunday, ­October 27, when the 17-year-old P-plater allegedly “clipped” his car, damaging his mirror, and drove off.

Mr Elliott says he was travelling in the same direction as the youth and then confronted him but the youth’s father says he “chased” the youth.