Today, 2-Jan-24. NSW Police & Me.

Summary

On January 2, 2024, the author, Pete JJ, was assaulted by a homeless man on George Street in Sydney, leading to an altercation with the NSW Police, where Pete was initially handcuffed but later released without charges.

Abstract

Pete JJ, a resident of Sydney and an advocate for progressive policies, was attacked without provocation by a homeless man while sitting on a chair calling his partner. The assault, which occurred on George Street, resulted in bruises and soreness to Pete's neck and throat. Despite the trauma, Pete did not retaliate, empathizing with the man's pain and rage. The situation escalated when tourists filmed the incident, and the man attempted to damage Pete's phone before the arrival of the police. The police intervention was met with skepticism by Pete, who has had negative experiences with the NSW Police's treatment of the LGBTQ+ community and has participated in anti-police demonstrations. Pete was handcuffed by the officers but asserted his rights, leading to the police's realization that they had no legal grounds to detain him. The incident underscores the complexities of policing and the need for compassion towards the homeless, as well as the ongoing tensions between law enforcement and marginalized communities in Sydney.

Opinions

Pete JJ is critical of the NSW Police's historical homophobic behavior and the force's general approach to dealing with homeless individuals.
The author believes that the police's actions in his case were unjustified and indicative of a broader issue within the NSW Police.
Pete expresses empathy towards the homeless man, attributing the man's actions to his living conditions and the disturbance of his sleep.
The author is an advocate for Clover Moore's progressive policies but feels that the response to homelessness during the COVID pandemic was inadequate.
Pete JJ values his rights and is prepared to defend himself and others legally, as evidenced by his refusal to provide details to the police and his threat to employ a solicitor.
The author suggests that the police should exercise more compassion and understanding when dealing with the complexities of homelessness and mental health issues on the streets of Sydney.

A homeless man strangled me in public. My neck and throat are bruised and sore.

“He was sleeping. I was sitting on the chair, calling my partner.”-pic-Pete.

Walking along George Street, Sydney, on Tuesday morning, I finally decided to visit the updated and expanded NSW Art Gallery in Hyde Park.

I hand-wrote a letter to my local member, Colver Moore, at the beginning of the COVID pandemic in 2020. I asked her what she would do for the homeless people living on the streets in her jurisdiction. I am an advocate of her progressive policies in Sydney. She has been our very popular Lord Mayor of Sydney since 2004. As well as being the longest-serving Lord Mayor of Sydney since the creation of the City of Sydney in 1842. I did receive a beautifully constructed letter of all programs linked to the non-profit organizations they work with, a lovely letter of emptiness. Eventually, some of the vacant hotels were commissioned to accommodate people experiencing homelessness in Sydney at the pandemic’s peak.

The picture above is where I was assaulted. I saw a plastic seat in front of a closed bank. I see the items and blanket. From my angle, it looked to me as though a homeless person’s belongings were hidden under a blanket and not actually a man sleeping in the collection of items around the blanket. But as I talked to Julian, saying what time are we meeting at the Art Gallery cafe, the man pounced from under his blanket. Raced towards me, and was screaming and choking me. This was very fast indeed. He was very angry.

Some tourists decided to film the homeless man strangling me. I did not retaliate; I did not stop him. I looked into his eyes and saw his deep pain, anger, and rage. I had accidentally disturbed his sleeping. I remember some of what he was screaming at me.

He realized I was no threat to him and released his grip. But, oh boy, did my neck hurt, and it started to throb. Within the time the man had my mobile phone in his hand and was about to smash it into the ground, a police car arrived. But he still smash it on the ground. No big deal. It still works.

I moved to sit on the bench closer to the light rail station. The first constable spoke with the homeless man. He, the homeless man, tucked himself under his blanket. The Senior constable asked me what had happened.

I know they are only doing their jobs. I know they need to understand what happened. I also see the law of NSW very well indeed. I am a gay man. For over 40 years, I have endured the NSW police’s homophobic behaviors directly against me and our community. I have been part of anti-police protest demonstrations. The Sydney Mardi Gras members have voted to remove the parade’s Police Accord for 2024. We, my friends, have all had many experiences of intimidation and harassment.

I politely decline to provide them with any information. I say I am going to keep walking and leave. The senior constable and her junior both grab me and handcuff me behind my back, forcing me back onto the bench.

Well, this is the beginning of a battle they will not win. First, I explained to them that they had made a false arrest. Then I say my solicitor will have a field day with them in the local court. I demand they remove the metal handcuffs cutting into my wrists behind my back. I request they withdraw the official…” you have been arrested. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court...” The senior constable radios her boss.

This is just getting better. She removed the handcuffs, telling me to follow her instructions. I do. I call my solicitor and leave a message. Their boss arrives in a separate police car. She has an older face with many years of experience. I know I will be able to reason with her. They want to press charges against the homeless man who physically assaulted me. They kept asking me for my details to expedite this process. I refuse to give them my identification. They realize they have no case to proceed with. I also explained that if they move with this course of action, I will employ my solicitor to defend the homeless man. This brings them to the reality that this is a waste of police resources, and they know I am not bluffing.

They say they will write a report and process it. Good for them. New South Police need compassion with the grey areas of the laws. This second day of 2024 is a demonstration of their inability to find and listen to a citizen who understands the suffering of our homeless population in the streets of Sydney.

‘Color helps.’- pic-Pete.

Pete JJ.

Sub-note:

I used to volunteer with a nonprofit and we would visit the homeless, being careful not to just rush up to them. Where they lay their head at night is their home. So we would wait until they came to us for any advice or assistance and other local connections for them.

RANDOM MADNESS IN A SYDNEY STREET. SECOND DAY OF 2024. Walking.

Today, 2-Jan-24. NSW Police & Me.

A homeless man strangled me in public. My neck and throat are bruised and sore.