Force's $100,000 riot fine

More than 40 officers were injured after being pelted with rocks, bricks and petrol bombs during several hours of violence in the troubled suburb on February 15, 2004. It was sparked after the death of Thomas "TJ" Hickey, who died that day after crashing his bicycle and becoming impaled on a fence.

In a decision handed down in the NSW Industrial Relations Commission yesterday, Justice Roger Boland fined the force $100,000.

It had pleaded guilty to failing to ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of its employees under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The agreed facts show 42 officers sustained various injuries ranging from psychological damage to bruising, cuts and abrasions.

One officer was knocked unconscious after being struck by a brick on the helmet.

WorkCover said police were left exposed without adequate equipment and a lack of training. The equipment had defects including scratched helmet visors, and handles broken on shields.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/national/forces-100000-riot-fine/2007/06/07/1181089242169.html