Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker has called for community healing following Rolfe verdict

The Police Commissioner has called for “healing” following the Zachary Rolfe trial, but refused to discuss if police practices would change in the wake of the murder trial.

UPDATE 6PM FRI: THE Territory’s top cop has called for “healing” following the Zachary Rolfe trial, but refused to discuss if police practices would change in the wake of the murder trial.

As one Territory family still mourns their 19-year-old loved one and another grapples with the wake of a high-profile murder trial, Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker said there were no “winners” from the verdict.

“All of us need to try and make sure that we do all that we can to continue to build a bridge that survives and continues to permeate in the Northern Territory,” he said.

Mr Chalker said police would provide an institutional response later in the year as part of the coronial inquest.

“(That is) where the facts will come to the fore. That will diminish a significant amount of the mysteries and the rhetoric that is out there,” he said.

Mr Chalker described the toll on police from responding to high-risk incidents, referencing two fatal call-outs during the Rolfe trial, including a four-person crash at Howard Springs and a fatal house fire at Humpty Doo.

“We continue to respond to the jobs that nobody else has prepared to do,” Mr Chalker said.

“Every critical incident leaves a scar. Every critical incident includes humans.

“We’ve all gone to too many funerals. We’ve all had too many visits to hospitals, where people are suffering trauma. And we as a community have to speak out against it and stop it.

Notably Mr Chalker did not directly reference the police shooting of a 19-year-old Palmerston Aboriginal man on Tuesday.

The teenager remains in a critical condition after police fired a taser and six bullets at him near a children’s playground.

Mr Chalker refused to answer journalists’ questions, walking away before any scrutiny could be made of police training around the use of deadly force.

Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker addresses media after Zach Rolfe was found not guilty. Picture: (A)manda Parkinson

One minute after the police commissioner finished his statement Chief Minister Michael Gunner released his own press release.

“The justice system has done what was required of it – 12 of our fellow Territorians have considered all of the evidence before them, and delivered a verdict,” Mr Gunner said.

“I acknowledge the pain the death has caused for the deceased’s family and the Yuendumu community, who are in mourning.

“The justice system has completed its process, and now it is a time for healing.

“No court alone can bridge divisions in our community or rebuild trust. That’s a task for all of us.”

NT Chief Minister Michael Gunner. Picture: Glenn Campbell

Opposition leader Lia Finocchiaro said the verdict recognised the difficult conditions which Territory police officers often found themselves working in.

“We hope the coronial process, yet to be undertaken, will bring some closure for the deceased’s family, friends and the community of Yuendumu, who are still mourning,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“The circumstances surrounding the trial have been devastating for all.”

Ms Finocchiaro called for a “full, independent inquiry” into the circumstances leading to the trial.

“ (Mr) Gunner has serious questions to answer over the appearance of political interference prior to charges being laid, after he promised the residents of Yuendumu, just days after the shooting, that ‘consequences will flow’.”

INITIAL 3.30PM, FRI: POLICE Commissioner Jamie Chalker has called for peace and community healing following the not guilty verdict of police constable Zach Rolfe.

Mr Chalker appeared on the front steps of the Peter McAulay Centre hours after the murder trial verdict was handed down.

“There is never any winners in circumstances such as this and all of us need to try and make sure we can to continue to build a bridge that continues to permeate in the NT,” he said.

Mr Chalker refused to take questions from the media following his speech.

Chief Minister Michael Gunner said it was now the time to bridge divisions apparent in the community.

“The justice system has done what was required of it – 12 of our fellow Territorians have considered all of the evidence before them, and delivered a verdict,” Mr Gunner said.

“I acknowledge the pain the death has caused for the deceased’s family and the Yuendumu community, who are in mourning.

“I also acknowledge and appreciate the hard work of our policemen and women – who undertake their duties in difficult and often very dangerous environments. Their work is valued and respected.

“The justice system has completed its process, and now it is a time for healing.

“No court alone can bridge divisions in our community or rebuild trust. That’s a task for all of us.”

Opposition Leader Lia Finocchiaro said the verdict recognised the difficult conditions which Territory police officers often found themselves working in.

“We hope the coronial process, yet to be undertaken, will bring some closure for the deceased’s family, friends and the community of Yuendumu, who are still mourning,” Ms Finocchiaro said.

“The circumstances surrounding the trial have been devastating for all.”

Ms Finocchiaro said the CLP were calling for a “full, independent inquiry” into the circumstances which led to the trial.

“Chief Minister Michael Gunner has serious questions to answer over the appearance of political interference prior to charges being laid, after he promised the residents of Yuendumu, just days after the shooting, that ‘consequences will flow’.”

Originally published as Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker has called for community healing following Rolfe verdict