Western Australia Police have launched a review into the use of force during the arrest of a 17-year-old boy after video footage showing the incident raised concerns from members of the public.
The incident occurred outside a hotel on Hay Street in Perth’s CBD after police attended the location following reports of a disturbance. Footage recorded by a member of the public from a nearby building shows several officers speaking with two males before one teenager was taken into custody.
In the video, the teenager can be seen standing with his hands behind his back while officers appear to conduct a search. Moments later, a male police officer grabs the teenager and forces him to the ground while the teenager is already handcuffed. The footage shows the teenager falling onto the pavement before officers continue dealing with the situation.
The person who recorded the footage said they were surprised by the level of force used, describing the incident as appearing sudden and unexpected. The video quickly raised questions within the community about whether the force used during the arrest was appropriate.
WA Police said officers attended the hotel at approximately 12:40am on Thursday to investigate reports of two people allegedly causing a disturbance. Police stated that the teenager was brought to the ground following verbal threats that he was armed with a knife.
According to police, the teenager suffered a minor cut to his head during the arrest and was provided with medical treatment. He was later released from custody and issued with an infringement notice for disorderly behaviour.
WA Police confirmed that the circumstances of the incident, including body-worn camera footage and the level of force used by officers, will be reviewed. The review will examine whether officers acted within their legal powers and followed police procedures.
Perth lawyer John Hammond said the available video did not show the full circumstances leading up to the arrest. He said the key issue would be whether the teenager had actually made a threat involving a knife, as police have alleged.
The incident has renewed public discussion about police use of force, particularly when dealing with young people. Police agencies across Australia regularly review incidents involving physical restraint to ensure officers’ actions are reasonable, necessary and proportionate to the circumstances.
Community members have called for transparency as the review takes place, while police have said the investigation process must be allowed to determine the facts.
The outcome of the review will help establish whether the officers’ actions were appropriate and whether any further action is required.
