NSW Police Commissioner Sought Closed-Door Hearings on Sydney Protest

The New South Wales (NSW) police commissioner made a last-minute attempt to conduct hearings into Sydney's anti-Herzog protest behind closed doors, a move that resulted in delays to the inquiry, as revealed by the police watchdog. The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (Lecc) stated that its investigation into the February protest, which took place at Sydney's town hall, was initiated following numerous allegations of police brutality. The Lecc confirmed that the inquiry will proceed this month, incorporating a combination of public and private examination sessions. The commission described the timing of the issues raised by Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon as "regrettable," indicating that his intervention occurred at a late stage and impacted the investigative timeline. The protest itself, which drew significant attention, occurred at Sydney's town hall and led to widespread allegations of excessive force by police officers. The Lecc's role is to provide independent oversight of the NSW police force, investigating complaints and misconduct to ensure accountability and public trust. The decision to hold some sessions in private, rather than entirely in public, is often made to protect sensitive information, such as ongoing investigations or the identities of vulnerable witnesses, though it can also raise concerns about transparency. Commissioner Lanyon's specific reasons for requesting closed-door hearings were not detailed in the initial report, but the timing of his request is highlighted as a point of contention by the Lecc. The inquiry's objective is to thoroughly examine the events of the protest and the conduct of the police officers involved, aiming to establish the facts and determine if any misconduct occurred. The Lecc's findings are expected to inform potential disciplinary actions or policy changes within the NSW Police Force. The anti-Herzog protest itself was a significant event, drawing crowds and leading to confrontations that prompted the need for an independent review. The commission's statement underscores the challenges faced by oversight bodies when dealing with requests from senior law enforcement officials that could potentially influence the course or transparency of an investigation. The Lecc's commitment to proceeding with the inquiry, despite the commissioner's late bid for private hearings, signals its dedication to conducting a comprehensive review of the allegations.