Group for victims of police misconduct

A Darlinghurst man has formed a support and action group for victims of police misconduct.
The group will meet Saturday 20 October, where attendees will discuss their experiences and concerns.
As well as providing an opportunity for victims to meet others with similar experiences, the Police Integrity Group will pressure authorities to ensure corrupt police are sacked.
Gregory Franks, who runs Rainbow Video on Oxford St, said the group was born out of his own experiences with the police.
About 11 months ago three men assaulted Franks outside his shop. He reported the incident but said the case was never investigated.
According to Franks, one of the offenders vandalised his shop a few days later. He reported this crime but said it was not followed up. The saga continues today, Franks said, and is currently under investigation by the NSW Ombudsman.
“While the Ombudsman and the Police Minister have been very supportive, we still don’t have a resolution,” he said.
“Waiting so long for a resolution increases the anxiety of people who are suffering, so pressure needs to be placed upon these organisations to speed up enquiries.”
Victims have also told how their reports of police misconduct have been dealt with by the police officers at the centre of the complaint.
This was experienced by a recent victim of homophobic violence who said his report of police misconduct was handled by the officer he complained about, a situation he found “shocking” and “uncomfortable”.
The Police Integrity Group would ensure complaints are handled by the appropriate person, and within a reasonable time frame, Franks said.
“It is very hard to speak for yourself, particularly when you are stressed,” he said. “The group will be for anyone who has experienced police misconduct, who is in my experience, mostly people from minority groups.”
The first meeting will be held at 1pm, Saturday 20 October. Phone Gregory Franks on 9360 6119 or 0403 911 003 for more details.