Queensland police accuse ABC journalist of drug use

[MongyMan]

http://www.couriermail.com.au/lifestyle/queensland-police-accuse-abc-journalist-of-drug-use/news-story/32c8a00470794d9ea0af71105a11ab1d

 

 

A VIDEO has emerged on Twitter showing Queensland police detaining, swearing at and accusing an ABC journalist of being “off his chops” on drugs.

Josh Bavas was detained at the Oxley Bunnings store in Brisbane’s southwest this morning. He was at the store with his brother and was waiting for him outside when approached by the officers.

The video, posted by Bavas on Twitter, shows the bizarre exchange with two police officers.

“I was just detained by police outside Bunnings because they said I was on drugs,” writes Bavas in the tweet. “I have a cold. Unbelievable.”

The officer, who is identified at the end of the clip as Senior Constable Richard Power, says “Mate, the fact you got pinpoint eyes and you’re looking directly into the sun and they’re not dilating, due to the sunlight? I believe you to be under the influence of a dangerous drug. So for the moment, I’m going to detain you”.

At this point, an incredulous Bavas asks, “You’re going to detain me?”

“Yes, for the purpose of a search,” responds the officer. “Do you have any identification on you?”

“It’s in the car,” says Bavas.

“Yeah, exactly,” responds the officer, somewhat inexplicably.

The policeman then calls on his colleague: “Mate, Reedy ... He’s off his chops on something *points at Bavas*”

“I’m not off my chops!” replies Bavas.

“Oh f****** mate, if we hadn’t hung on to you mate, you’d float off into f****** outer space,” chimes in ‘Reedy’.

At this point the first officer reminds his colleague that Bavas is recording the exchange.

WARNING: Coarse language

I was just detained by police outside Bunnings because they said I was on drugs. I have a cold. Unbelievable. 

The reporter, who is suffering from a cold, was sitting in the shade close to a group of young people who were Aboriginal in appearance.

The officers initially asked if he was with the group of youths before asking whether a car they were sitting near was stolen.

They continued questioning Bavas until his brother came out of the Bunnings store.

Bavas and his brother were separated and questioned further, with an officer repeatedly asking “what is he on?” of Bavas’ brother.

One of the officers told the reporter they were conducting a street check and Bavas was asked a series of questions – including “what colour is your hair?” – while they recorded his name, address and noted what clothing he was wearing.

Since it was posted this morning the clip has been retweeted over 700 times, and many have tweeted their support to Bavas:

 

@JoshBavas and his name is Richard Power?!

— Sarah Whyte  August 13, 2016

 

.@JoshBavas He thought your pupils should be DILATING when you looked into the sun? Astounding medical knowledge there.

— Un-popular: Mechanic  August 13, 2016

 

@JoshBavas cop did a one day drug awareness course & can use the word 'dilating'. What a legend. Maybe can get a job on Nauru?

— Gordon Scott  August 13, 2016

 

@JoshBavas also liked it when you said your ID was in car and cop said 'exactly' as if it proves you're a drug fiend. Sherlock in da house

— Brett Pemberton  August 13, 2016

After the incident, Bavas tweeted this reassuring note to his followers:

 

All's well that ends well. May have had something to do with my red shorts and green shoes. Now back to building a retaining wall.

— Josh Bavas

A spokesperson for the Queensland Police Service said “the Queensland Police Service is aware of social media footage concerning the detention of a man at a carpark in Oxley this morning.

“In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, senior officers have reviewed the footage and are examining the behaviour of the police involved.

“The man was not in possession of dangerous drugs and was released without any further action taken”.

[billygoat]

What a toss bag. And I drive through Oxley daily!

[Gumby1]

another dick on a power trip.

 

 

"EXACTLY".. HA.. Wanker.

[Serrated edge]

Not a very high IQ needed for the force I'm afraid.

 

Let me clarify that .

 

Not even high.