The Northern Territory police commissioner says the force will investigate claims of widespread racism made by former constable Zachary Rolfe during a coronial inquest.
While giving evidence in the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker on Monday, Rolfe claimed that racist language was “normalised in the NT police force”.
Rolfe said in court on Monday that he had been told the tactical response group (TRG), an elite heavily armed squad which respond to high-risk incidents in the NT, held an annual award where “Coon of the Year” was awarded.
The officer who was given the award was made to wear a toga and carry a wooden club on the night afterwards, the inquest heard.
The NT police commissioner, Michael Murphy, confirmed on Tuesday morning that the claims were being investigated.
He denied having ever personally used racist language, and responded “absolutely not” when asked if the TRG would need to be disbanded.
Murphy said he was not aware if the matter had also been referred to the territory’s anti-corruption commission, which oversees police behaviour. But he said a deputy commissioner “may be referring it” to the agency.
He said he had never heard racist language when he visited Alice Springs police station, despite Rolfe telling the inquest he heard such language on every shift.
Rolfe also said there were photos and videos of the awards presentation, and alleged to the court that multiple people had lied during the inquest about not knowing about such incidents. He said some people had been promoted within the force despite participating in or failing to report the award.
“This is accepted and known about by multiple people who have given evidence here, multiple people have lied about it,” he told the court.
Rolfe told the inquest that he had gradually been introduced to the use of racist language, including the N-word and terms to describe white people in relationships with Aboriginal people.
He said police also regularly used the term “animal bar” to describe a section of the Todd Tavern which was commonly frequented by Aboriginal people.
Rolfe said he also became used to using terms such as half-caste or quarter-caste, which he said were “potentially” racist.
But he said he did not see Aboriginal people treated differently, despite the use of this language.
The inquest continues.
