Police minister asked to explain
NSW Minister for Police Michael Daley will be asked to explain police behaviour on Sleaze night.
Greens MLC and spokeswoman for police matters Sylvia Hale has requested a meeting with Daley to discuss claims police used undue force, confiscated tickets and removed their police badges while working on Sleaze Ball night.
Hale has also tabled formal questions for Daley, however, in the course of parliamentary procedure, these could take up to 35 days to process.
“Any person who was subject to excessive force from police at Sleaze Ball that resulted in injury or public humiliation should seek legal advice,” Hale advised.
She urged Daley to discipline officers who were not wearing badges on the night, and to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures.
“These canine snoops managed to turn up only 17 offences amongst thousands of partygoers. By taking such a heavy-handed approach, police wrecked the party for the many,” she said.
“Certain communities are being particularly targeted by police and sniffer dogs. They seem to prefer targeting GLBTI people, Newtown train station commuters and reggae gigs but have been reluctant to pursue cocaine-snorting stockbrockers at Ivy or in Double Bay.
“Police who ignore the law, and do not know how to use their powers responsibly should not be in the police force. We should not be employing thuggish people on power trips. Police need to remember they are public servants.”
Sniffer dogs are great for politicians who spruke the tough on crime mandate around election time, it doesnt matter if its cost effective or not, they will simply say “catching 1 person with drugs is a good outcome”.. the war on drugs is futile. we know it, they know it, the police know it how ever catching users rather than dealers is far easier and like every government department the police need figures to have lots of funding. Having said all that I dont believe gays are targeted but removing badges – totally unacceptable
She has my 100 percent full support and backing, we need to clone her so we can have them all in Parliament – then so we can finally get 100 percent gay-friendly people in there and allow us the basic right to get married and adopt children that is way long overdue in 2009!!!!!
I can see Peter’s point. The cops are there ready for a good drug bust but suddenly unavailable when gays are being bashed.
However, I don’t think the discrimination argument works precisely because there is a sniffer dog presence around venues outside Oxford St in areas I mentioned before.
Sylvia Hale should use cost benefit arguments and find out how much is being spent on sniffer dog usage compared with the outcomes.
YES the G+L community has been singled out.The amount of police etc that have been present at G+L events have been quite ridiculous.And what result…nothing.An absolute waste of time and resources.Maybe ask the G+L’s that have been abused and bashed in the last year how they feel about it…would have been nice to have a dog on hand then wouldn’t it?
Anyhow, back to the original point and I think I can answer my own question. There is a heavy presence of police and sniffer dogs in places like Kings Cross and Manly. Sleaze Ball is not the only event where the cops are there in droves – the Big Day Out comes to mind.
I don’t think gay people are being singled out but I do think the cops go for easy touches.
Steve crawl back under the rock from where you came.You shame yourself and bring shame on our community. Sylvia has long supported the gay and lesbian community and other marginalised groups . Thank you Sylvia.You are a great friend of our community.
I would like to second David’s comment made about Steve.
What has some ones face got to do with what has been said previously, this just shows the maturity level of some one who belongs at primary school. you got to wonder why these people are even reading stories on a site like this.
I’d also like to add that pathetic, sexist comments like Steve’s do the gay community no favours – particular when they’re directed at a supporter of gays. Absolutely shameful!
I’m glad at least one politician is pursuing this matter. The gay community does seem to be targetted by cops wanting to look good without really doing much about Sydney’s drug problem. But (a big BUT) if sniffer dogs also operate in Kings Cross, Manly, Bondi and elsewhere, the argument that our community is being picked on is invalid.
Is it actually true that sniffer dogs are only used in known gay nightspots? If so, then there may be a case of discrimination. If not, then no dice.
With a face like hers – that’s who should be arrested!!!!