Police watchdog orders misconduct investigation into drug raids at Sydney gay bars

The police watchdog has ordered the NSW Police Commissioner to carry out a misconduct investigation into drug raids at Sydney gay bars.

Police raided venues and streets around Sydney’s iconic Oxford St in Surry Hills and Darlinghurst earlier this month that reportedly traumatised many people in the LGBTQI+ community.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was inundated with reports about police who were “aggressive, intimidating, disrespectful and unprofessional, without provocation or justification”.

Ms Moore and Sydney MP Alex Greenwich referred the matter to the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), requesting an investigation into inappropriate policing at LGBTQI+ venues after they were swamped with complaints.

Patrons reported dozens of police saturated venues, including Universal Sydney, Kinselas, and Palms, shoved and swore at people, carried out body searches and removed clothing in public view, and cleared the floor at a drag show.

They were told police pushed and acted aggressively, shone torches in people’s faces and used hostile language.

“We have heard from patrons who were told to ‘f** off’ or told ‘if you don’t like it, move to Melbourne’,” they told the LECC.

“People report being interrogated for using the bathroom and being treated like a criminal just for being out at night.”

Mr Greenwich confirmed on Friday the LECC had now asked Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon to carry out a misconduct investigation into the allegations that occurred during Pride Month celebrations.

The LECC letter states police are required to notify them about what action it proposes to take in response to the complaint.

“The LECC has a number of statutory powers that it can use to ensure the complaint is properly investigated,” the letter said.

Mr Greenwich posted on social media that it was a welcome first step that acknowledged the seriousness of their complaint and compelled the commissioner to conduct an investigation into police conduct at LGBTQI+ venues.

“We made this complaint as the LGBTQ community should be able to go out, celebrate Pride Month, support LGBTQ venues and not be afraid of police intimidation,” he said.

A NSW Police Force (NSWPF) spokesman said they received a complaint referral from the LECC relating to a police operation within the Surry Hills Police Area Command on June 13.

“The NSWPF is currently assessing the complaint under Part 8a of the Police Act and therefore it would be inappropriate to comment further,” a spokesman said.

The LECC has been contacted for comment.