2 years, 3 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 to "n***as", "c**ns, and "Neanderthals". Text message exchanges between police officer Zachary Rolfe and colleagues have been described as "disgraceful" and "threatening" during the inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker. Officer hasn't seen 'systemic racism' in police force During the inquest on Thursday, Sergeant Jolley told Constable Zachary Rolfe's lawyer, David Edwardson KC, that she had never perceived "systemic racism" in the force.

Work Text Messages Officers Walker Police Officers Inquest Racist Photo Constable Police Commissioner Nt Police Jolley Kumanjayi Rolfe Yuendumu Zachary Rolfe Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe Chalker Commissioner Chalker Sergeant Jolley jamie texts work walker racist family officers constable inquest messages told text rolfe react chalker nt kumanjayi zachary

History of this topic

3 weeks, 6 days 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 …

4 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 …

6 months, 3 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 …

6 months, 4 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 …

9 months, 3 weeks 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 …

9 months, 4 weeks 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 …

10 months 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 …

1 year, 7 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 …

1 year, 8 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 …

1 year, 8 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 …

1 year, 9 months 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 …

1 year, 9 months 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 …

1 year, 10 months 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 …

2 years ago

NT Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker attends final day of Kumanjayi Walker coronial inquest hearings for the year

ABC

On the final day of this year's sittings of the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, Northern Territory Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker attended the hearings for the first time to "acknowledge" the proceedings. Key points: Police Commissioner Jamie Chalker spent time speaking to members of Kumanjayi Walker's family before attending court He spent a few minutes listening to the …

2 years ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears another death could happen in Yuendumu if additional support is not provided

ABC

In the remote community of Yuendumu, where 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker was shot by a police officer three years ago, a youth worker says there are several young people facing "many of the difficulties" Mr Walker did before his death. Key points: Youth workers say there is a group of children in Yuendumu facing similar difficulties to Kumanjayi Walker before his …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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, …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 1 month 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 2 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 …

2 years, 3 months ago

NT police officer feared 'cultural payback' after Kumanjayi Walker shooting, coroner hears

ABC

A Northern Territory police officer in Yuendumu on the night Kumanjayi Walker died was "scared of a mob of community members potentially driving through the doors of the police station, storming the police station and going for firearms", a coronial inquest has heard. Key points: The coroner heard the decision not to immediately inform Mr Walker's family of his death …

2 years, 3 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 …

2 years, 3 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 …

2 years, 3 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 …

2 years, 3 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 …

2 years, 3 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest hears Constable Zachary Rolfe's use of force was 'not reasonable' on five occasions

ABC

The inquest into the 2019 police shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker has heard a use of force expert concluded Constable Zachary Rolfe had a "tendency to rush into situations with a disregard for his or others safety". Key points: Counsel assisting intends to table a review of Constable Rolfe's use of force The coroner heard Mr Walker's experience in youth …

2 years, 3 months ago

Coronial inquest into death of Indigenous 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker begins in Alice Springs

ABC

Almost three years ago, two young men became household names in the worst possible way. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker was shot three times by Constable Zachary Rolfe in November 2019 Constable Rolfe was acquitted of murder after a five-week trial in March this year The coroner will spend the next three months examining the circumstances of his death The family …

2 years, 3 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker's family revisits 'terrifying' night he died as inquest begins in Alice Springs

ABC

In an emotional start to a three-month coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker, the Northern Territory coroner heard first hand from members of the Warlpiri man's family about the night he died, urging the court to hear their voices. Key points: Members of Mr Walker’s family addressed the court and called for urgent action The coroner said she …

2 years, 4 months ago

Kumanjayi Walker inquest no longer starting in Yuendumu at family's request

ABC

The inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, who was shot by a Northern Territory police officer in 2019, will no longer begin in his home community of Yuendumu. Key points: Family have requested the inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker no longer begin in his community He died after being fatally shot by Constable Zachary Rolfe in …

2 years, 6 months ago

The 'past conduct' of police officer Zachary Rolfe will be explored during coronial inquest into death of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC

The Northern Territory Coroner will look into the "past conduct" of Constable Zachary Rolfe and police responses to excessive force complaints in an inquest into the death of 19-year-old Kumanjayi Walker, a court has heard. Key points: Kumanjayi Walker was fatally shot during an attempted arrest in 2019 Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of murder after a five-week trial A …

2 years, 8 months ago

Northern Territory's ICAC announces investigation into Constable Zachary Rolfe's arrest over fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker

ABC

The Northern Territory's anti-corruption commissioner has announced he will investigate the decision to arrest and charge police officer Zachary Rolfe over the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker in 2019. Key points: Constable Zachary Rolfe was acquitted of all charges over the shooting death of Kumanjayi Walker Constable Rolfe was charged with murder four days after the shooting There have been …

2 years, 8 months ago

Northern Territory Coroner acknowledges grief of Yuendumu community ahead of inquest into Kumanjayi Walker's death

ABC

The Acting Northern Territory Coroner has acknowledged the "grief and shock" felt by community members after the fatal shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, in the first hearing ahead of a coronial inquest into his death. Key points: A coronial inquest into the death of Kumanjayi Walker will be held in Central Australia from September 5 Mr Walker was shot by NT …

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