Queensland police have sparked outrage after Aboriginal children were invited to experience the inside of a police van as part of an indigenous culture festival.
Professor Chelsea Watego said she attended the National Aboriginal and Islander Observance Committee (NAIDOC) event near her home in Inala, southwest of Brisbane, which in previous years included a Queensland Police tent.
But he said that this year, instead of the “booth,” the organization was represented by a police vehicle and several community liaison officers, who are not sworn police officers.
Ms Watego said officers had backed up the police vehicle, opened its doors and were allowing the children to take turns being police officers or criminals and “play lock-up as part of their engagement activity”.
“Queensland Police turn up to one of the biggest events for Indigenous NAIDOC week, where we have high rates of incarceration of our community, and they turn up with a (police) car to… get our kids to dress up as criminals,” he said. ABC.
Debbie Kilroy, from the National Network of Incarcerated and Ex-Incarcerated Women and Girls, said the activity was “deeply inappropriate” and a reminder of the ongoing trauma and systemic problems facing Aboriginal communities.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman said official approval had been given for the “practical” use of police property for the activity.
“This is all about breaking down barriers, creating conversations and building relationships with the community,” the spokesperson said.
Teacher Chelsea Watego said Queensland Police were inviting children to play inside the back of a police van (pictured) at a NAIDOC festival event in Inala.
Ms Watego took to social media to share her grievance, saying she was disappointed by the actions of police liaison officers.
“These positions were introduced as a direct result of the Royal Commission into Aboriginal Deaths in Custody as a measure to reduce the over-incarceration of Blackfullas… and here they are facilitating its normalisation,” he said.
“This is absolutely shameful and disrespectful to our community, many of whose members have lost loved ones in custody and who continue to fight for justice for our people.”
Her post sparked an avalanche of comments criticising the activity, with many calling it “disgusting”.
“This might be the most insensitive thing I’ve ever seen,” one person said.
“How is it possible that none of the people involved in the coordination thought ‘maybe this is insulting and we shouldn’t do it’?” said another.
“Another clear indicator of how disconnected the entire police system and government are that allows this,” said a third.
“What was the goal? It’s horrible,” added another.
Ms Watego’s (right) social media post sparked a flood of comments criticising the activity.
Queensland Police confirmed that a festival-goer had “raised concerns about the use of the police vehicle”.
“Following these discussions with the community member, and out of respect for his concerns, the Senior Police Liaison Officer immediately locked the police vehicle and removed it from the event site,” the spokesperson said.
“Further discussions have since been held regarding this event with local community stakeholders. QPS takes community feedback seriously and will ensure it is incorporated into the planning for next year’s event.”
