BALLARAT’S top cop has spoken out for the first time since last week’s harrowing hearing examining allegations of serious misconduct at Ballarat Police Station.
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The Independent Broad Based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) saw 13 witnesses, including a number of Ballarat police officers, questioned over alleged excessive use of force by some Ballarat police officers.
In a written statement Ballarat Superintendent Andrew Allen admitted it had been a difficult few weeks for Ballarat police officers.
Superintendent Allen criticised some media reporting of the hearing – saying it was neither fair to the Ballarat police or the community.
He also criticised a Sunday Age article that state the Superintendent turns up to crime scene. Superintendent Allen said this was a key example of his desire to lead from the top.
Superintendent Allen maintained officers were respected, siting a community satisfaction survey, stating Ballarat police enjoy a community confidence five per cent higher than the state average.
“The fact is, there is a tremendous bond between the city of Ballarat and its police,” Superintendent Allen said.
“Our members are deeply proud to serve, and enjoy strong support from the community.”
Shocking footage aired during the hearing was made public. It showed police officers using excessive force on four different women.
Closed-circuit footage showed a woman being forced to drink toilet water when she discovered the water fountain in her cell was not working.
IBAC revealed complaints against Ballarat police officers was three times that of similar sized stations in the state. Superintendent Allen said it would be inappropriate for him to comment directly on the hearing, during which Assisting Council Jack Rush QC stated complaint levels against officers remained constant and high.
“I continuously monitor and review all matters involving public concerns including where when service delivery requires examination,” he said.
Read Andrew Allen’s opinion piece on page 24.