NT Police officer suspended without pay for allegedly creating racist singlet referencing Kumanjayi Walker

The NT Police confirms it has suspended an officer for allegedly creating and selling a "highly inappropriate" singlet referencing the death of Kumanjayi Walker who was fatally shot by police in November last year.

NT Police emblem

A baby has died while her mother was in the custody of NT Police. Source: NT Police

A 61-year-old Northern Territory police officer has been stood down for "serious breaches of discipline" after allegedly creating and selling a "highly inappropriate" singlet to colleagues.

A picture of the singlet, which is designed with the slogan, 'Don't wanna get shot... Don't stab a cop! ... #BlueLivesMatter' was shared widely over the weekend on social media.

Luritja and Wambya man, David Cole, who brought attention to the post on Facebook, that he was sent the image by a government employee who alleged it was designed and sold by an NT police officer.

In a statement released on Wednesday night, The Northern Territory Police Force confirmed the suspension of the officer, saying that an investigation by their Professional Standards Command had found 'serious breaches of discipline pursuant to the Police Administration Act'.
An image of a singlet with a racist slogan circulated on social media over the weekend
An image of a singlet with a racist slogan circulated on social media over the weekend. Source: Supplied
The 61-year-old officer has been stood down without pay.

Assistant Police Commissioner Michael White condemned the officer's conduct.

"For a serving officer to be involved in this behaviour brings disrepute to the entire police force and this behaviour is unacceptable," he said.

“I reiterate the Commissioner’s apology to the community for the conduct of this member.”

The suspension comes as a NT police constable faced an Alice Springs local court today over the shooting death of Yuendumu man Kumanjayi Walker in November last year.

The officer responsible for the fatal shooting was charged with murder by NT Police, but has indicated he will be pleading 'not guilty' to the charges.

Share
Published 8 April 2020 7:55pm
By Jodan Perry
Source: NITV News


Share this with family and friends


Featured Live Channels

Subscribe to the NITV Newsletter

Receive the latest Indigenous news, sport, entertainment and more in your email inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
Interviews and feature reports from NITV.
A mob-made podcast about all things Blak life.
Get the latest with our nitv podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on NITV
The Point: Referendum Road Trip

The Point: Referendum Road Trip

Live weekly on Tuesday at 7.30pm
Join Narelda Jacobs and John Paul Janke to get unique Indigenous perspectives and cutting-edge analysis on the road to the referendum.
#ThePoint