Commissioner Michael Murphy calls on troops to report ‘systemic’ racism within NT Police

The commissioner said he was ‘counting on each and every one of you to do the right thing’ and promised disclosures would be ‘met with protection and respect’.

NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy with Chief Minister Eva Lawler in Alice Springs last week. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy has written to his troops urging them to “do the right thing” and come forward with any information about systemic racism within the force.

It comes after Independent Commissioner Against Corruption Michael Riches released a public statement last week saying evidence collected by his office backed up claims NT Police’s elite Territory Response Group had issued “racist” awards to its members.

In the internal broadcast circulated later that same day, Mr Murphy described the ongoing scandal as “a matter of critical importance to our organisation and the community we serve”.

The allegations were first aired by former constable Zach Rolfe who told an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker the TRG had handed out “c — n of the year awards” for stupid or unhygienic behaviour.

Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has since released a certificate tendered to the court that purports to represent such a “nuggadah” award superimposed over a picture of the Aboriginal flag.

Zach Rolfe arrives at the Alice Springs Local Court in March for an inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker. Picture: Jason Walls

Mr Murphy said the force took the allegations “very seriously” and it was “imperative that we address these issues swiftly and comprehensively, ensuring accountability and justice for all involved”.

“We cannot allow such behaviour to tarnish the reputation of our organisation or undermine the trust of the communities we serve,” he wrote in the internal broadcast.

“To facilitate a thorough investigation, I am urging all current and former police officers with first-hand information to come forward and assist the ICAC commissioner’s office.

“Your co-operation is essential to uncovering the truth and identifying any systemic issues that will enable us to take proactive measures to prevent similar occurrences in the future.”

Mr Murphy told officers that while “coming forward may be difficult”, their “honesty and co-operation” would be “met with protection and respect”.

“Your identity will be safeguarded and your information will be handled confidentially,” he wrote.

“This is a critical moment for our organisation and I am counting on each and every one of you to do the right thing.

“Together we can uphold the principles of integrity, accountability and respect that define our profession.”

A copy of one of the certificates released by Coroner Elisabeth Armitage last month.

In making his public statement last week, Mr Riches said no current or former officer who volunteered truthful information would be referred back to police for disciplinary action.

But the corruption watchdog said that caveat did not extend to anyone “whose conduct may amount to criminal conduct” or who had deleted relevant documents or information from police systems.

Mr Murphy has previously said while NT Police had not verified the certificates’ authenticity, he was “taking them as true”.

“I have seen the certificates, it’s absolutely disgraceful and abhorrent and I won’t stand for that type of culture in the Northern Territory Police,” he said at the time.

Originally published as Commissioner Michael Murphy calls on troops to report ‘systemic’ racism within NT Police