The family of an Aboriginal teenager who was captured being thrown to the ground on the streets of Sydney during an arrest have spoken out about the incident.
The arrest of the 17-year-old in Surry Hills was plastered over social media yesterday, with many calling it abhorrent, especially in lieu of what has happened in America.
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According to News Corp, the teenager was with a group in a park, who were arguing with the police officer and accused him of swearing at them. The 17-year-old is alleged to have said, 'I'll crack you in the f***ing jaw, bro' before the officer arrested him and threw him on the ground.
The officer has been placed on restricted duties as an internal investigation is carried out.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller told 2GB Radio this morning (June 3) that, on behalf of the police force, he is sorry: "You look at the video and it is concerning, there's no doubt about that.
"Certainly there were probably other ways that the officer could have dealt with that matter, no doubt.
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"You'd have to say [the police officer] had a bad day, and I'm sure most of the community wouldn't want to see someone who's made a mistake sacked after making such a commitment to the community.
Mr Fuller said the officer has a clean record and no issues in the past.
In an interview yesterday (Tuesday, June 2), Assistant Commissioner Mick Willing added: "We're all aware of incidents that have taken place in the United States over the past week and we're aware of the sensitivities around what's occurring overseas.
"Am I concerned about what I'm seeing in the footage? Absolutely. But I'm equally concerned about others who may use the footage to inflame it and turn it into something it's not."
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The teen was taken to Surry Hills Police Station before being transferred to St Vincent's Hospital for observation. He was eventually discharged.
The 17-year-old's sister, Ali Mongta-Finn, told the ABC's triple j Hack: "When he came back home later that night, he was shaken up. He was very sore this morning and he was distraught.
"Teenagers, they're lippy, but you don't just abuse children because they're lippy."
NSW Police Minister David Elliott said both parties were in the wrong.
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"I don't want to see any young person physically apprehended for doing anything and I certainly don't want to see any police officer physically threatened with violence," Mr Elliott said.
"I was just as disturbed about the threat from a young person to physically assault a police officer as I was with the response from the police officer."
The family of the teenager is expected to speak to the media later today about the incident.
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