Constable Zachary Rolfe appears at Kumanjayi Walker inquest, claims legal right not to answer questions about 'arguably racist' texts
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe appears at Kumanjayi Walker inquest, claims legal right not to answer questions about 'arguably racist' texts

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has appeared for the first time at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, where he claimed he has a legal right not to answer questions about several matters, including "arguably racist" text messages and use of force incidents. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was found not guilty of all charges relating to the shooting death of Mr Walker The officer has taken the stand on Wednesday for the first time at the coronial inquest in Alice Springs He has told the coroner he has a legal right not to answer questions about 14 separate matters WARNING: This article contains offensive language heard in court and the image of an Aboriginal person who has died, with the permission of their family. After repeatedly declining to answer several more questions from Dr Dwyer, she tabled 14 separate topics to which Constable Rolfe had asserted his right to "penalty privilege". Instead, Dr Freckelton said Constable Rolfe had been issued with "remedial advice", which he described as an "assertive conversation" by a senior police officer.

Legal Right Messages Officer Force Walker Inquest Coroner Constable Text Messages Legal Right Nt Police Rolfe Yuendumu Zachary Rolfe Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe Constable Zachary Rolfe Penalty Privilege Dr Freckelton  rolfe  force  questions  legal  kumanjayi  racist  messages  inquest  constable  officer  penalty  walker  right  texts  zachary  coroner  supreme

History of this topic

NT coroner urged to find 'the truth' in Kumanjayi Walker inquest as inquiry wraps up after two years
3 months, 2 weeks ago

NT coroner urged to find 'the truth' in Kumanjayi Walker inquest as inquiry wraps up after two years

ABC  

For almost 70 sitting days, over the past two years, a stream of lawyers, media and witnesses walked past a sign on the lawns opposite the Alice Springs Local Court. NT police lawyer makes explosive allegations about Zachary Rolfe at inquest Photo shows Close-up side profile of a man Lawyers for the NT Police Force have described one of their …

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest
3 months, 2 weeks ago

'Racist, misogynist, homophobic': NT Police Force lawyers make explosive allegations about former officer Zachary Rolfe at Kumnajayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Force have described one of their own former officers as an alleged "racist … sexist … misogynist" and "narcissist, with grandiose ideas about his own abilities", at the inquest into the fatal police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. Dr Freckelton said NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy — who was earlier this year investigated by the …

Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'dishonest', 'ego-driven' and held 'overtly racist attitudes', NT coroner told in Kumanjayi Walker inquest final submissions
3 months, 2 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'dishonest', 'ego-driven' and held 'overtly racist attitudes', NT coroner told in Kumanjayi Walker inquest final submissions

ABC  

Former NT police constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly held "overtly racist attitudes" and was "undisciplined", "dishonest", "ego-driven" and "contemptuous of authority" prior to the shooting of Aboriginal man Kumanjayi Walker, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Counsel assisting the coroner Peggy Dwyer SC addressed the court first on Wednesday, submitting that some aspects of Mr Rolfe's behaviour as a police officer …

After years of covering NT courts, the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest was unlike anything I've seen
9 months, 2 weeks ago

After years of covering NT courts, the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest was unlike anything I've seen

ABC  

I covered Northern Territory courtrooms for almost seven years, so there's little that surprises me at a bar table anymore. The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot by former NT Police constable Zachary Rolfe, was like nothing I've ever seen before. Kumanjayi Walker's family crowdfunded to travel hundreds of kilometres from Yuendumu to be at …

Zachary Rolfe is returning to the witness box for the third time. Why is the Kumanjayi Walker inquest not over?
9 months, 2 weeks ago

Zachary Rolfe is returning to the witness box for the third time. Why is the Kumanjayi Walker inquest not over?

ABC  

In short: Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot in November 2019 and a mandatory inquest into his death began in September 2022. Almost two years after it began, the coronial inquest into the police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker will resume on Monday, for what is scheduled to be the final days of evidence. Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has so far heard …

Zachary Rolfe defended his name at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest this week
1 year ago

Zachary Rolfe defended his name at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest this week

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe was born the son of prominent Canberra parents: philanthropists with a high standing in the community, his mother a successful barrister, and his father a luxury car dealer. Zachary Rolfe tells a coronial inquest into the 2019 police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, racist language was "used everywhere" throughout the NT Police Force. In affidavits, which presumably sought to …

The key moments of Zachary Rolfe's first appearance at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
1 year ago

The key moments of Zachary Rolfe's first appearance at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

In short: Zachary Rolfe gave evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker for the first time on Monday, nearly 18 months after the inquest began. Mr Rolfe outlined instances of racism with the NT Police Force, and said racist language was "used everywhere". Former Northern Territory Police officer Zachary Rolfe, who fatally shot Indigenous man Kumanjayi …

Investigation announced into NT Police racism claims from Zachary Rolfe during Kumanjayi Walker inquest
1 year ago

Investigation announced into NT Police racism claims from Zachary Rolfe during Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

In short: NT Police Commissioner Michael Murphy has confirmed "inquires will be undertaken" into claims the force has as an ingrained culture of racism. Commissioner Murphy said Mr Rolfe's evidence would be "scrutinised" and "other agencies outside of the police" could be used to investigate the claims if necessary. As part of his evidence at the Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest …

Zachary Rolfe’s former tactical team boss fronts coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker shooting
1 year ago

Zachary Rolfe’s former tactical team boss fronts coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker shooting

ABC  

In short: NT Police Sergeant Lee Bauwens told the inquest he had "no excuse" for using the word "c**ns" in a text message to Zachary Rolfe in 2019. NT Police Sergeant Lee Bauwens told the inquest he had "no excuse" for using the word "c**ns" in a text message to Zachary Rolfe in 2019. A Senior Northern Territory Police officer …

Zachary Rolfe asks NT coroner to recuse herself from Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest, citing 'apprehended bias'
1 year, 5 months ago

Zachary Rolfe asks NT coroner to recuse herself from Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest, citing 'apprehended bias'

ABC  

Two weeks before his scheduled appearance at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, Zachary Rolfe has asked the Northern Territory coroner to "consider recusing herself" from the proceedings, "on the grounds of apprehended bias". Key points: Coroner Elisabeth Armitage has been presiding over the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker since last year On Friday last …

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker
1 year, 10 months ago

Suppression order lifted over police report into death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC  

A suppression order over a controversial police report into the death of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker has been lifted, revealing previously redacted details about the murder investigation into former constable Zachary Rolfe. Key points: The so-called "Proctor Report" was previously subject to a claim of legal-professional privilege by the NT Police Force Perceptions of "investigative bias" related to Zachary Rolfe …

Zachary Rolfe dismissal 'a win' for Yuendumu community, 'disappointing' for police union
1 year, 11 months ago

Zachary Rolfe dismissal 'a win' for Yuendumu community, 'disappointing' for police union

ABC  

The family of Warlpiri-Luritja man Kumanjayi Walker, who was fatally shot by former-Constable Zachary Rolfe in 2019, says his dismissal from the NT Police Force "felt like a win" for the Yuendumu community. Key points: The NT Police Force formally dismissed Zachary Rolfe on Tuesday over "serious breaches of discipline" The former officer intends to appeal the decision It is …

Zachary Rolfe formally dismissed from the Northern Territory Police Force
1 year, 11 months ago

Zachary Rolfe formally dismissed from the Northern Territory Police Force

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe has officially been dismissed from the Northern Territory Police Force, a spokesperson has confirmed. Key points: Zachary Rolfe has been issued a formal notice of dismissal by the NT Police Force The ABC understands the dismissal is related to a 2,500-word statement attributed to Mr Rolfe Mr Rolfe shot Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker in November 2019 and has …

Zachary Rolfe informed NT police force intends to dismiss him, sources say
1 year, 11 months ago

Zachary Rolfe informed NT police force intends to dismiss him, sources say

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe has been informed the Northern Territory police force intends to dismiss him, sources have told the ABC. Key points: Sources have told the ABC that Zachary Rolfe has been issued a letter, informing him of the NT police force's intention to dismiss him from the force The ABC understands the notice relates to a 2,500-word statement attributed to …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe's 'excessive' force incidents discovered too late for disciplinary action, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe was given "remedial advice" for incidents which could have resulted in disciplinary action because they were discovered too late by investigating police, the coroner has heard. A second incident involving two drunk men at a park in Alice Springs was also reviewed, with Assistant Commissioner Porter describing Constable Rolfe's actions as "excessive and unnecessary". Assistant Commissioner Porter …

NT Police flags 'consequences' for Constable Zachary Rolfe after 2,500 word statement about Kumanjayi Walker investigation
2 years ago

NT Police flags 'consequences' for Constable Zachary Rolfe after 2,500 word statement about Kumanjayi Walker investigation

ABC  

Lawyers for the Northern Territory Police Force have told the coroner investigating the police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, that Constable Zachary Rolfe will face "consequences" for penning a 2,500-word statement late last week. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe published a 2,500 word statement last week Lawyers for the NT Police Force at the inquest alleged it was a breach of …

NT Deputy Police Commissioner Murray Smalpage among witnesses scheduled as Kumanjayi Walker inquest resumes
2 years ago

NT Deputy Police Commissioner Murray Smalpage among witnesses scheduled as Kumanjayi Walker inquest resumes

ABC  

Northern Territory Coroner Elisabeth Armitage today returns to the bench in the Alice Springs Local Court for two additional weeks of evidence, as her long-running inquest into the death-in-custody of Kumanjayi Walker continues. Mr Walker died in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community 300 kilometres north-west of Alice Springs, after he was shot three times by NT Police constable Zachary Rolfe …

Statement released by Constable Zachary Rolfe says he will be 'medically retired' by NT Police, defends racist text messages
2 years ago

Statement released by Constable Zachary Rolfe says he will be 'medically retired' by NT Police, defends racist text messages

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe says the Northern Territory police force intends to "medically retire" him, in a lengthy public statement released days before the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker resumes. Key points: Constable Rolfe was found not guilty of murdering Indigenous man Kumanjayi Walker last year He has been on leave from the NT Police Force since a coronial …

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe appeals judge's decision compelling him to give evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 2 months ago

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe appeals judge's decision compelling him to give evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe has launched an appeal of a Supreme Court decision that ruled he could be forced to front the coronial inquest into the 2019 police shooting of Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: Zachary Rolfe launches an appeal against a decision compelling him to answer questions at the Kumanjayi Walker inquest Constable Rolfe will argue Justice Judith …

Supreme Court rules Constable Zachary Rolfe can be forced to front Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 3 months ago

Supreme Court rules Constable Zachary Rolfe can be forced to front Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe will be forced to front the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, after the Supreme Court threw out his attempt to avoid a series of questions about the 2019 police shooting. Key points: Justice Judith Kelly has ruled against Constable Zachary Rolfe and Sergeant Lee Bauwen's application The officers had sought to avoid answering questions …

A coroner has spent three months investigating the death of Kumanjayi Walker at the hands of Constable Zachary Rolfe. Here’s what she found
2 years, 3 months ago

A coroner has spent three months investigating the death of Kumanjayi Walker at the hands of Constable Zachary Rolfe. Here’s what she found

ABC  

Every day for nearly thirteen weeks, no matter the weather, a tent appeared on the grass opposite the Alice Springs Local Court. Text messages downloaded from Constable Rolfe's phone and shown at the inquest revealed the use of racist language among territory police officers, including two sergeants, with one text, the coroner heard, implying officers would "act up" for body-worn …

Police with military training 'more comfortable' using force, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years, 3 months ago

Police with military training 'more comfortable' using force, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

Police officers who have military training are "more comfortable" using force than their colleagues without, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Key points: Retired commander David Proctor carried out the early coronial investigations into the shooting He said police with a military background did not necessarily use force more often than those without The coroner heard Constable Zachary Rolfe’s 46 …

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe argue against giving evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 3 months ago

Lawyers for Constable Zachary Rolfe argue against giving evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

The fight to limit the questions Constable Zachary Rolfe and other police officers can be asked at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has been heard in the Northern Territory Supreme Court. Key points: Lawyers for Constable Rolfe and Sergeant Lee Bauwens argue the pair have a "right" to not answer questions Constable Rolfe is claiming "penalty …

Former Assistant NT Police Commissioner Nick Anticich tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest police force needs a 'long-term cultural fix'
2 years, 3 months ago

Former Assistant NT Police Commissioner Nick Anticich tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest police force needs a 'long-term cultural fix'

ABC  

The Northern Territory Police Force faces a "long-term cultural fix" in the wake of revelations at a coronial inquest about the alleged use of racist language among officers, while allegations that excessive use-of-force was swept under the rug indicates "corruption", according to a former assistant police commissioner. Key points: Former Assistant Police Commissioner Nick Anticich says officers involved in alleged …

New details of Zachary Rolfe's arrest and out-of-hours bail hearing emerge at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 3 months ago

New details of Zachary Rolfe's arrest and out-of-hours bail hearing emerge at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

The police officer who headed the murder investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe has told the Northern Territory coroner he was "uncomfortable" investigating a fellow cop and denied being "particularly accommodating" in arresting the officer over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker. Key points: Superintendent Kirk Pennuto was the first police officer in charge of the criminal investigation into Constable Zachary …

Constable Zachary Rolfe joins Supreme Court attempt to limit police officers' evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe joins Supreme Court attempt to limit police officers' evidence at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe has launched a legal bid to limit the scope of questions he can be asked when he gives evidence at the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker next week, Supreme Court documents show. Key points: Constable Rolfe is expected to appear before the coroner next week His lawyers have now joined an application in the …

Passing the halfway point, the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death has probed the culture inside NT Police
2 years, 4 months ago

Passing the halfway point, the coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death has probed the culture inside NT Police

ABC  

"This isn't simply about Constable Rolfe," Northern Territory coroner Elisabeth Armitage said from the bench this week. Key points: The coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker is scheduled to run until early December Mr Walker died in 2019 after he was shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe Constable Rolfe was earlier this year found not guilty of all charges …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'boasted' about use of force in text messages
2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly 'boasted' about use of force in text messages

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly "boasted" about performing an "illegal shoulder charge" during the arrest of a man in Alice Springs, by texting a video of his body-worn camera footage to an unnamed person, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Former superintendent Pauline Vicary, who was one of Constable Rolfe's commanding officers in Alice Springs, reviewed and signed off on the …

Zachary Rolfe 'unlikely' to have been recommended for NT Police if 'omissions' from application were known
2 years, 4 months ago

Zachary Rolfe 'unlikely' to have been recommended for NT Police if 'omissions' from application were known

ABC  

Zachary Rolfe was "unlikely" to have been recommended for the Northern Territory Police Force if recruiters had known he left previous disciplinary action in the Australian Army off his application, the coroner has been told. Key points: Constable Rolfe did not disclose prior ADF disciplinary action in his application to the NT Police Force He also failed, initially, to disclose …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe was 'repeatedly engaging in concerning behaviours' before shooting death
2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe was 'repeatedly engaging in concerning behaviours' before shooting death

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has heard Constable Zachary Rolfe "repeatedly" engaged in "concerning behaviour", including not turning on his body-worn camera and making arrests which resulted in injuries, prior to Kumanjayi Walker's death. Former Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe "didn't care about, or like Indigenous people", while his "unjustified" use of force incidents were "swept away" by superior officers, …

NT Police officer Jody Nobbs stands by decision to 'deceive' Yuendumu community on night Kumanjayi Walker died
2 years, 4 months ago

NT Police officer Jody Nobbs stands by decision to 'deceive' Yuendumu community on night Kumanjayi Walker died

ABC  

A senior Northern Territory police officer has stood by his decision not to tell the Yuendumu community that Kumanjayi Walker had died, despite numerous pleas for information from his family waiting outside the police station. Key points: Superintendent Jody Nobbs told officers not to tell Kumanjayi Walker's family he had died He told the court he was concerned about "cultural …

Ex-fiancée tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest Zachary Rolfe thought he'd get a 'paid holiday' if he shot someone
2 years, 4 months ago

Ex-fiancée tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest Zachary Rolfe thought he'd get a 'paid holiday' if he shot someone

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe thought he could go on a "paid holiday" if he shot someone and "didn't care about, or like Indigenous people", the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard. The court heard that after Constable Rolfe was charged with murder over the 2019 shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, Ms Campagnaro told investigating police her partner had …

Constable Zachary Rolfe's police officer friend apologises for racist text messages at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe's police officer friend apologises for racist text messages at coronial inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death

ABC  

A close friend and colleague of Constable Zachary Rolfe has issued an emotional apology to the coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, after text messages he'd sent to the officer using terms such as "gay c**ts", "f*gs" and "n***rs" were made public. Key points: A visibly emotional Constable Mitchell Hansen apologised for using racist language The officer was …

NT coroner shown 'distressing' video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family was informed of his death
2 years, 4 months ago

NT coroner shown 'distressing' video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family was informed of his death

ABC  

"Distressing" video of the moment Kumanjayi Walker's family members were informed of his death has been played to the Northern Territory coroner, in which police are heard urging emotional loved ones not to get "angry" and calling the deceased Mr Walker by the wrong name. Key points: In the body-worn video, Sergeant Meacham King can be heard informing Kumanjayi Walker's …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest shown body-worn camera footage of previous 'use of force' incidents
2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest shown body-worn camera footage of previous 'use of force' incidents

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has been shown body-worn camera footage of Constable Zachary Rolfe allegedly using force against an Indigenous man in Alice Springs, about one month before Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot in Yuendumu. Key points: Body-worn camera footage shows officers rushing towards a man in Alice Springs and tackling him to the ground Sergeant Evan Kelly told the …

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked if body-worn cameras were on after Kumanjayi Walker's death, inquest hears

ABC  

Constable Zachary Rolfe asked colleagues if their body-worn cameras were on as they gathered in the Yuendumu police station hours after Kumanjayi Walker died, an inquest into the shooting death has heard. Key points: For 14-minutes on the evening of Kumanjayi Walker's death, a police officer's body-worn camera was switched off Sergeant Adam Donaldson says he can't remember what was …

Constable James Kirstenfeldt tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest 'better' arrest plan could have avoided tragedy
2 years, 4 months ago

Constable James Kirstenfeldt tells Kumanjayi Walker inquest 'better' arrest plan could have avoided tragedy

ABC  

The attempted arrest of Kumanjayi Walker was "very much a failure" and should have involved better planning, clear communication and a risk assessment, a member of the arrest team has told the Northern Territory coroner. Key points: A member of the immediate response team says a risk assessment and formal briefing should have occurred Constable James Kirstenfeldt rejected suggestions he …

Sergeant of police team deployed to Yuendumu, used 'filthy, racist terms' in 2019, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears
2 years, 4 months ago

Sergeant of police team deployed to Yuendumu, used 'filthy, racist terms' in 2019, Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears

ABC  

If the Northern Territory police force re-establishes a specialist tactical team based in Alice Springs, it needs to "flush out" racist language first, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. Key points: The sergeant in charge of the immediate response team referred to "bush c**ns" in a text exchange The team was disbanded not long after Kumanjayi Walker's death The coroner …

Constable Zachary Rolfe 'failed to declare' discipline issues, 'violent behaviour' fine, to police, inquest hears
2 years, 5 months ago

Constable Zachary Rolfe 'failed to declare' discipline issues, 'violent behaviour' fine, to police, inquest hears

ABC  

Northern Territory police officer Zachary Rolfe was excluded from applying for a job at Queensland Police for 10 years after failing to disclose a fine he received for "violent behaviour" on his application, the NT coroner has revealed. Key points: The NT coroner has rejected a second attempt by Constable Rolfe's barristers to strike out evidence Constable Rolfe objected to …

Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe three years ago. Here are the key moments from the inquest so far

ABC  

Coroner Elisabeth Armitage opened her court with a soft smile and an acknowledgement of Arrente country, the land on which the courthouse sits in Alice Springs, immediately setting the tone for the three-month inquiry ahead of her. Four weeks into the three-month inquiry, the coroner has heard evidence from 11 witnesses including police officers, Mr Walker's family and Yuendumu community …

Kumanjayi Walker arrest 'not consistent' with plan and 'outside scope' of instructions, coroner hears
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker arrest 'not consistent' with plan and 'outside scope' of instructions, coroner hears

ABC  

Body worn footage from the night of Kumanjayi Walker's shooting death in Yuendumu was "not consistent" with a plan put in place to arrest the 19-year-old, a senior member of the Northern Territory police force has told a coronial inquest. Key points: Superintendent Jody Nobbs says body worn footage wasn't "consistent" with a plan agreed to before specialist team was …

Coroner hears of 'social gathering' at Zachary Rolfe's house, two days after Kumanjayi Walker shooting
2 years, 5 months ago

Coroner hears of 'social gathering' at Zachary Rolfe's house, two days after Kumanjayi Walker shooting

ABC  

A "social gathering" at Zachary Rolfe's house two days after the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker was "wholly inappropriate" and had the "potential to contaminate" Constable Rolfe's evidence, the coroner has heard. Key points: Police gathered at Constable Zachary Rolfe's house days after the shooting Assistant Commissioner Travis Wurst said the use of racist language among police officers is not …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officer wouldn't have called specialist team if she had known about racist texts
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officer wouldn't have called specialist team if she had known about racist texts

ABC  

The officer in charge of the Yuendumu police station on the night Kumanjayi Walker died says she wouldn't have allowed the unit Constable Zachary Rolfe was part of into the community if she had known any members of the team had exchanged racist texts. Key points: Sergeant Julie Frost says she wouldn't have called the response team if she had …

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officers thought drawing their guns would 'escalate' axe incident, before shooting death
2 years, 5 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears officers thought drawing their guns would 'escalate' axe incident, before shooting death

ABC  

Two police officers have revisited the so-called "axe incident" that took place days before Kumanjayi Walker's shooting death, telling the coroner they didn't think the 19-year-old was a threat, even when he confronted them with a weapon during an attempted arrest. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker brandished an axe at officers, three days before he died Senior Constable Smith told the …

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, family of Kumanjayi Walker react to 'blatantly racist' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues
2 years, 6 months ago

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker, family of Kumanjayi Walker react to 'blatantly racist' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues

ABC  

The Northern Territory Police Commissioner has reacted to "blatantly racist" text message exchanges between Constable Zachary Rolfe and police colleagues, saying he believes the events are "isolated" and officers would be "quite shocked" reading them. During the inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, the coroner's court on Wednesday heard several text message exchanges between police officers, with references …

'Blatantly racist' and 'disgraceful' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues read out at Kumanjayi Walker inquest
2 years, 6 months ago

'Blatantly racist' and 'disgraceful' texts between Zachary Rolfe and colleagues read out at Kumanjayi Walker inquest

ABC  

Text message exchanges between Constable Zachary Rolfe and several police colleagues have been described as "threatening" and "blatantly racist" by a serving sergeant, as they were read out in the Northern Territory coroner's court. 'Always ready to make my camera face the other way' In another text exchange read out to the court, a fellow police officer apologised to Constable …

'Racist' texts to be examined and ex-fiancee to be called as witness, as coroner rules against Zachary Rolfe objection
2 years, 6 months ago

'Racist' texts to be examined and ex-fiancee to be called as witness, as coroner rules against Zachary Rolfe objection

ABC  

The Northern Territory coroner has ruled messages downloaded from Constable Zachary Rolfe's mobile phone, after he was arrested and charged with murder over the death of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, could be "evidence of racism by Constable Rolfe" and his colleagues. Key points: Constable Rolfe's ex-fiance is expected to be called as a witness "Disturbing" text messages from his phone …

'Overtly racist' and 'disturbing' Rolfe texts should be included in Kumanjayi Walker inquest, coroner hears
2 years, 6 months ago

'Overtly racist' and 'disturbing' Rolfe texts should be included in Kumanjayi Walker inquest, coroner hears

ABC  

Eight-thousand pages of messages were downloaded from Constable Zachary Rolfe's phone, including some that were "disturbing" and "disgraceful", after he was arrested and charged with murder over the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker in 2019, the Northern Territory coroner has heard. "The text messages reveal very disturbing attitudes … in relation to the use of force, or proposed use of …

Police officers from major centres lack 'respect and responsibility', Yuendumu shooting inquest hears
2 years, 6 months ago

Police officers from major centres lack 'respect and responsibility', Yuendumu shooting inquest hears

ABC  

A senior Aboriginal community police officer has told the Northern Territory coroner that police from out of town are "rougher" than their bush-based counterparts and lack "respect and responsibility". Key points: The Yuendumu Aboriginal community police officer told the inquest cultural awareness training for NT police officers was inadequate Kumanjayi Walker's grandfather says he felt "traumatised" by the night his …

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