Veteran Cop Avoids Charges for Alleged Nazi Salutes in Melbourne
A veteran police sergeant in Melbourne escapes criminal charges for alleged Nazi salutes after prosecutors find no reasonable prospect of conviction
Melbourne, Australia, Nazi Salute, Victoria Police, Shane Patton, Anti-Semitism
Melbourne: A police officer won’t face charges for allegedly giving Nazi salutes. This decision came after state prosecutors weighed in on the situation.
The sergeant reportedly made the gesture at the Victoria Police Academy in Glen Waverley on two consecutive days last October. It’s pretty shocking, right?
Victoria Police announced that the criminal investigation is over. They sent evidence to the Office of Public Prosecutions, which decided there wasn’t enough to charge her.
Now, the sergeant will go through an internal discipline investigation while remaining suspended. It’s a serious matter, and they’re taking it seriously.
She was accused of approaching two staff members and performing the salute while saying “heil Hitler.” The next day, she allegedly did it again during a debriefing with recruits.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton made it clear that such behavior is unacceptable. He expressed disappointment and anger over the incident, emphasizing that it shouldn’t happen in society or the police force.
Patton also apologized to the Jewish community, acknowledging that many would feel let down by the officer’s actions. It’s a tough situation for everyone involved.
With rising anti-Semitism concerns, both state and federal governments have banned Nazi symbols and gestures. In fact, a far-right extremist was recently convicted for performing the salute in public.
In Victoria, doing the Nazi salute can lead to serious penalties, including up to 12 months in prison or hefty fines. It’s a big deal, and they’re trying to tackle it head-on.