Victoria Police have interviewed a 65-year-old sergeant who allegedly performed the Nazi salute on two occasions.
Police alleged the incidents happened while she was on duty and in front of colleagues at the Victoria Police Academy on Tuesday and Wednesday this week.
On Tuesday, she allegedly approached two colleagues and performed the salute while voicing heil Hitler.
She allegedly did it again the next day during a training exercise with a recruit squad and another instructor.
The incident was reported and she was suspended with pay yesterday.
Professional Standards Command has today interviewed the female sergeant and released her without charge.
“A brief of evidence will be prepared regarding the incidents. Any charges arising would be expected to proceed on summons,” Victoria Police said.
Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton was shocked to learn of the alleged incidents.
“I’m angry, I’m disappointed, I’m appalled at the conduct and we won’t tolerate it,” he said at a press conference today.
“I just can’t fathom it. It’s behaviour I wouldn’t expect from any member of the community, let alone a police sergeant.”
The 65-year-old, whose name has not been released, has been part of the force for 40 years. Police said there is no known history of extreme views.
Patton said the alleged behaviour would exacerbate the grief and pain the Jewish community felt following the October 7 anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.
Anti-Defamation Commission chair Dvir Abramovich, a leading opponent of antisemitism in Australia, praised the police force’s swift response to the officer’s alleged actions.
“A Nazi salute isn’t just a gesture – it’s a horrifying symbol of genocide, terror, and antisemitism and for a police officer to wield this emblem of hate is beyond disturbing,” he said in a statement.
“It’s an outright assault on the values and principles Victoria Police is sworn to uphold. This is a sad day for Victoria.
A criminal investigation into the matter is ongoing.
Performing Nazi gestures and displaying Nazi symbols such as the swastika have been banned by various state and federal laws since 2022.
If the sergeant is charged and found guilty, she will face possible dismissal from the force and will likely be charged with the maximum penalty of $23,000 or 12 months in jail.
On Wednesday, Jacob Hersant became the first person in Victoria to be found guilty of performing a Nazi salute in public.
The 25-year-old will be sentenced to prison for performing the banned gesture when he appears in court next month.
In June, three soccer fans were fined for performing the salute during a Sydney match. The men were the first convicted in Australia for such offences and have lodged appeals.