NSW Police watchdog orders reinvestigation of LGBTQIA+ venue raids

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) has directed the New South Wales Police Force to reopen a misconduct investigation into drug-dog raids conducted at several LGBTQIA+ venues in Sydney’s Oxford Street precinct.

The raids occurred in mid-June during Pride Month. Patrons at venues including Universal, Kinselas, and Palms alleged they were subjected to aggressive behavior, including being shoved, having bright lights shone in their faces, and undergoing humiliating searches in public. Some witnesses reported officers used derogatory language.

While an internal police assessment by Professional Standards Manager Inspector Michael Butcher concluded that no misconduct or policy breaches occurred, the LECC rejected this finding. The watchdog invoked its statutory powers to mandate a fresh inquiry following complaints from Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Independent MP Alex Greenwich, who noted an unprecedented volume of reports regarding the operation.

During the operation, police conducted 93 searches, resulting in 42 drug detections, though only one person was charged with drug supply.