Wild moment cyclist is tackled to the ground by Perth transit officers at train station
Shocking CCTV footage has emerged of a commuter trying to catch the last train home only to be held in a chokehold by a conductor and forced to the ground.
The Western Australian Public Transport Authority (PTA) has come under fire for its use of force following the confrontation at Aubin Grove station in Perth’s south in February 2023.
A report by the Corruption and Crime Commission tabled in the Western Australian parliament on Tuesday raised concerns about the PTA’s handling of forced arrests by transit officers, the Western Australian reported.
The report concerned the way the male passenger was treated when he was stopped by officers during a disturbing encounter that was captured on the train station’s surveillance cameras.
They asked him to prove that he had bought a ticket or that he had logged in with his Smartrider card, but the man, who had a bicycle with him, tried to walk away.
As the cyclist turned to ride away, CCTV footage showed one of the traffic officers grabbing him from behind, putting him in a headlock and then pulling him to the ground.
The man went to Rockingham General Hospital the next day for treatment for a broken collarbone.
Five days later, he reported the matter to the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC).
Shocking CCTV footage has been released of a passenger trying to catch the last train home being held in a chokehold and forced to the ground by a transit officer
Two Perth transit officers are seen tackling the passenger on the ground
The CCC report shows that many other complaints have also been received about excessive force by PTA officers.
The report found that the PTA recorded at least 170 incidents involving “use of force” last year, six of which were referred to the internal integrity unit.
Regarding the Aubin Grove incident, the PTA claimed the offices’ actions were justified and accused the man of being a known “major fare dodger.”
But the Corruption and Crime Commission found that the force used was excessive and unnecessary.
The investigation found that the PTA had several shortcomings in the way it handled the situation. It recommended that the policy and procedures for dealing with such incidents be reviewed, updated and implemented.
The CCC found that the PTA’s actions were “inadequate” and that the PTA may not have fully investigated the circumstances surrounding the use of force.
The PTA claimed the officers’ actions were justified and accused the man of being a known “producing fare dodger”
The PTA has acknowledged that improvements are needed and is in the process of updating its policy.
According to CCC Commissioner John McKechnie, well-defined policies and procedures are critical to “protecting the public, officers and the entire agency.”
The CCC monitors the implementation of the PTA’s recommended reforms and will conduct a follow-up evaluation in 12 months.