At a recent NAIDOC event in Brisbane, a paddy wagon was removed after complaints were made regarding the behavior of police liaison officers. It was alleged that officers were allowing children to pretend to be criminals and be thrown into the paddy wagon for fun. A local resident reported witnessing this behavior and expressed their disappointment in the officers’ actions. The Queensland Police Service stated that officers had been invited to the family day event and had the vehicle on display as part of a “hands-on” experience.
Chelsea Watego, an Inala resident and professor of Indigenous health at Queensland University of Technology, took to social media to share her concerns about the incident. She posted a picture of the paddy wagon with its back door open and criticized the police liaison officers for their role in facilitating this activity. Watego, who has extensive experience working in Aboriginal health, pointed out the hypocrisy of officers tasked with reducing Indigenous incarceration rates partaking in an activity that seemed to normalize the experience of being arrested.
Watego highlighted the significance of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody and the introduction of police liaison officers as a measure to address the issue of overrepresentation of Indigenous individuals in the criminal justice system. She emphasized the impact that such actions could have on a community that has already experienced loss and continues to advocate for justice. Watego’s comments underscored the importance of sensitivity and awareness when engaging with Indigenous communities, particularly in the context of events aimed at celebrating and promoting Indigenous culture.
The incident at the NAIDOC event in Inala raised questions about the appropriateness of certain activities involving law enforcement officers, particularly in the context of a celebration of Indigenous culture. The presence of a paddy wagon and the alleged behavior of police liaison officers prompted criticism and condemnation from community members and advocates. The incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by Indigenous communities in relation to policing and justice issues, as well as the need for greater cultural competency and respect in interactions between law enforcement and community members.
The Queensland Police Service responded to the incident by removing the paddy wagon from the event after a member of the public lodged a complaint. The service acknowledged the concerns raised by community members and stated that the officers had been participating in activities that were meant to be educational and engaging for attendees. The incident sparked a conversation about the role of police in community events and the importance of fostering positive relationships between law enforcement and Indigenous communities.
Overall, the incident at the NAIDOC event in Inala serves as a reminder of the complexities and sensitivities involved in interactions between police and Indigenous communities. The actions of the police liaison officers and the presence of the paddy wagon raised concerns about the normalization of incarceration and the impact on community members who have been affected by the criminal justice system. Moving forward, it is essential for law enforcement agencies to prioritize cultural awareness and sensitivity in their interactions with Indigenous communities, particularly during events celebrating Indigenous culture and heritage.