Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing a passenger trying to catch the last train home being held in a headlock and forced to the ground by a traffic officer.
Western Australia’s Public Transport Authority (PTA) has come under fire for its use of force following a clash at Aubin Grove station in south Perth in February 2023.
A Corruption and Crime Commission report tabled in WA parliament on Tuesday raised concerns about the PTA’s handling of forced arrests by traffic officers, Western Australia reported.
The report concerned how the male passenger was treated when he was detained by officers in a disturbing encounter captured on CCTV at the train station.
He was asked to show proof he had bought a ticket or swiped a Smartrider card, but the man, who had a bicycle with him, tried to drive away.
As the cyclist turned to leave, security cameras showed one of the traffic officers grabbing him from behind and putting him in a headlock before throwing him to the ground.
The man went to Rockingham General Hospital the next day for treatment for a broken collarbone.
Five days later he reported the matter to the Commission against Corruption and Crime (CCC).
Shocking CCTV footage has emerged showing a passenger trying to catch the last train home being caught in a headlock and forced to the ground by a traffic officer.
Two traffic officers in Perth are seen tackling the passenger to the ground.
The CCC report states that it also received numerous other complaints of excessive use of force by PTA officers.
The report revealed that the PTA recorded at least 170 incidents involving “use of force” last year, six of which were referred to its internal integrity unit.
Regarding the Aubin Grove incident, the PTA said the offices’ actions were justified and accused the man of being a known “prolific fare evader”.
But the Corruption and Crime Commission found the force used was excessive and unnecessary.
Its review found several shortcomings in the PTA’s handling of the situation and recommended that it “review, update and implement policies and procedures” around the handling of such incidents.
The CCC concluded that the PTA’s actions were “inappropriate” and that it may not have fully examined the circumstances surrounding the use of force.
The PTA said the officers’ actions were justified and accused the man of being a known “prolific fare evader.”
In response, the PTA acknowledged that improvements are needed and is in the process of updating its policies.
CCC Commissioner John McKechnie said having well-defined policies and procedures was crucial to “protecting the public, officers and the entire agency.”
The CCC is monitoring the implementation of the PTA’s recommended reforms and will conduct a follow-up review within 12 months.