Sydney Beat Project
I was made to feel like I had committed an extreme criminal offence.
I was made to feel disgusted about my behaviour,
I was demeaned and looked upon as perverted."
Be Aware:
It has been reported that Plain-Clothed officers have been sneaking about several 'known' beats and acting as beat users to catch men in 'the act' - this level of deception is a form of entrapment, and is unacceptable.
It has also been reported that officers are using inappropriate and homophobic language, being judgmental and expressing negative emotional responses towards men at 'known' beats. This is commonly referred to as 'Police Misconduct'.
It would appear the favoured 'high visibility' approach to policing beats as a deterrent is being ignored, and that the judicial system is turning a blind eye to these practices.
According to guidelines set out under 'Standards of Professionalism', officers must at all times treat everyone with respect, courtesy and fairness, and respond to any incident in a professional and objective manner - whether they approve of the behaviour or not.
There are also Anti-Discrimination laws in place that deal with any inappropriate or homophobic language and/or behaviour.
and the 'Standards of Professionalism' remain -
regardless of the nature of the incident.
We are aware that the actions of these officers are in direct opposition to the Standards of Professional Conduct as stated in the NSW Police Force Code of Conduct and Ethics, yet we are unsure if there are 'rogue' officers operating outside of police standards, or if they are dutifully carrying out orders... and officers must report the misconduct of other officers - otherwise this may be considered as 'police corruption'.
Police Management need to address this behaviour and not condone it through their inaction. They would be derelict in their duty if they turned a blind eye to serious police misconduct, which does little to promote trust, community faith and confidence in the NSW Police Force.
We are also troubled that Police seem somewhat reluctant to implement 'Beat Sensitivity Training' across NSW - despite the support and work already undertaken by Supt. Donna Adney.
I handed over my Drivers License, which was checked through the Police vehicle computer.
I was asked what was I doing in the area.
My vehicle registration number was taken down and I was warned to stay away from the park."
style="color: #000000;">Officers are advised that under no circumstances should information such as your name and address or vehicle registration details be entered into their system purely on the basis that you are in an area that is a 'known' beat.
We have also raised concerns with Supt. Donna Adney on several occasions about the existence of a database. This follows several disturbing comments by police officers, and is a major concern in rural and regional areas where men are more vulnerable.
If you have been approached by police as a result of having your details recorded, SEEK LEGAL ADVICE and REPORT it to us immediately.
be in a public without requiring a reasonable excuse, and you cannot be
charged simply for being there.
Police may ask you to move-on,
always be polite and carry out their directions. Never physically or
verbally abuse an officer - even if provoked.
NEVER run away from police, even if you're afraid.
They will chase you and this may put you at risk of injury.
Remember to ALWAYS ask for the officers name, rank and station - which they must tell you if requested. Officers have also been known to refuse or avoid telling men their details - don't argue with them as they may charge you for something unrelated, simply note the identification or registration details of the police vehicle.
Clearly and objectively record the details of any incident with Police, including the time and date, what happened, and what the officers said to you - this will help if you decide to lodge a complaint with the NSW Ombudsman.
If you have been approached by Police and/or arrested, or feel you were treated unfairly - SEEK LEGAL ADVICE and REPORT it to us IMMEDIATELY.
Download the NSW Police Force Code of Conduct and Ethics:
The NSW Police website has advice on how to complain about a police officer
We believe that NSW Police, local councils and certain members of the GLBTI community and its organisations have chosen the wrong approach to the beat issue.
We are concerned that police are not acting reasonably and responsibly, not following correct police procedure, and ultimately putting men at risk.
Unfortunately, they are intent on closing the beats down at any cost, even if it means harassing and intimidating men at night, chasing them around the park, searching them for condoms, and diverting their resources away from addressing more serious crime.
In the process, they have offended, hurt, alienated and enraged members of the community - and still the GLBTI community is kept in the dark about its community organisations that actually support and condone police harassment. Unfortunately, they believe beat sex is an 'indecent act', and continue to ignore beat users as a result.
We support NSW Police and local councils and their presence at beats, and would greatly appreciate non-intrusive patrols to ensure the safety and protection of the men who frequent them.
We also support greater cooperation and responsibility between beat users and the wider community, and an emphasis on police working with the beat community to ensure beat users are kept safe from hate-crimes.
We have spoken to many men who are too afraid to report hate-crimes to the police or believe the police are not interested in helping them, and we are troubled by this. We want to see police responding to instances of hate-crime with compassion and sensitivity, and not be dismissive, rude and judgmental.
We are appalled by the increasing level of homophobia in our society.
The current climate and inaction to address homophobic violence has only served to condone and perpetuate harassment and hate-crimes, especially around Oxford Street and other gay haunts.
We do not want an increase in homophobic violence at beats, and emphasise the need for police and beat users to work together to end hate-crime.
We believe that police and council resources could be better utilised to ensure beat users are protected from homophobic harassment and violence, and support regular non-intrusive patrols of beats.
We believe police should be targeting bashers and gangs of youths with knives - not beat users, and sending a clear message that homophobia and any act of hatred towards homosexuals will not be tolerated, and that they will be subject to the full force of the justice system.
We believe police should work towards repairing confidence and building trust so that beat users will report homophobia and hate-crimes, instead of fearing police and suffering in silence.
