NSW Police officer footage referred to watchdog

Body-worn camera footage has been referred to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) following allegations of police misconduct during a February protest in Sydney. The footage, which circulated on social media, appears to show a male NSW Police officer bragging about an altercation with a protester. In the recording, the officer is heard saying, “I f***ing pumped that c***” and “then I punched him in the head when he was down.” A female colleague is heard laughing and responding, “so funny” and “I saw that.”

The incident occurred during a mass protest at Sydney Town Hall sparked by the state visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The demonstration involved violent clashes, with reports of protesters being pepper-sprayed, arrested, and beaten.

Greens MP Sue Higginson, who was present at the protest, referred the video to the watchdog and called for the officers involved to be suspended, citing a “massive deficit of trust.” The LECC is already conducting an investigation, known as Operation Makalu, into the police operation and specific allegations of serious misconduct. NSW Police stated they are aware of the footage but declined further comment due to the ongoing investigation.