10 January 2025
In the last few days, our hardworking and dedicated police in Wadeye have been subjected to two serious and separate attacks.
On Wednesday, our police were attacked by an intoxicated individual and then set upon by a group of about 30-40 people. During the attack one of those officers were bitten, and both officers were pelted with rocks. It is blind luck that neither officer sustained serious physical injuries from this encounter.
Two offenders have since been arrested for the unacceptable attack on our officers. In due course those offenders will be before the courts to be dealt with.
If justice is done, then the courts will give due regard to the fact that those officers were attacked for doing their job and will send a message to our police that the courts will do what is necessary to protect them and to those involved in this attack upon our officers that their behaviour will not be tolerated.
This morning, we wake up to reports of a further two officers having been assaulted and attacked last night in Wadeye when they were responding to, yet another round of alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour. As they attended to that incident a 23-year-old male threw a wheel brace at the attending officers.
Then as the attending officers were attempting to arrest that male, they were attacked by a group of around 30 people throwing projectiles at them. During the attack, one member of the group, a 53-year-old elder of the Wadeye community, knocked one of our officers to the ground.
So fierce was the attack by that group, that the police were forced to tactically disengage from the incident. As they did so their police vehicle was damaged by the group who continued to throw projectiles at the police, causing considerable damage to the police car. Once again, our officers were not seriously injured during this incident but the risk to them was very real.
It is heart-breaking to see our police subjected to this level of continued and repeated violence for doing their job. Even more so in a community like Wadeye, where a police presence is essential to protect law abiding citizens and children from the rampant level of drunken violence and dysfunctional behaviour that has become commonplace.
Nevertheless, our dedicated police continue to do their job in a courageous and professional manner. They are entitled not only to the community’s thanks and support, but they are also entitled to protect themselves and they are entitled to be protected by the courts and their employer when they protect themselves.
They are not punching bags for drunken thugs or sacrificial lambs to be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness or expedience. They are the people that keep us safe. They are also the people that the NTPA represent, and it is our privilege to do so.
ENDS
Please direct all media enquiries to NTPA Communications Officer, +61 (0) 499 017 654 or media@ntpa.com.au
The Northern Territory Police Association (NTPA) is the industrial voice of all members of the Northern Territory Police Force. Read more via www.ntpa.com.au or join us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NTPoliceAssociation
