Online Network and Resource for the Beat Community
The Beat Project is a peer-based community network and online resource for all men who frequent beats – whether you identify as straight, gay, bisexual, transgender… single, married or just curious.
The Beat Project was initiated by beat users in response to the unacceptable level of police harassment, inappropriate and homophobic comments, and use of unnecessary force and disturbing police tactics that actively targets men at ‘known beats’… more alarmingly, we are concerned about the inappropriate response by officers to incidents of vigilante behaviour and hate-related crime against men at beats.
NB… Following some confusion, the Beat Project is not supported by ACON and the Anti-Violence Project (AVP) – who currently Chair the ‘Beats Working Group’, a network of government agencies who advocate for Crime Prevention (CPTED) measures to address beat usage. We recommend you advise us immediately if you make a report to this agency.
‘Fuck Off out of here!’
We continue to receive reports that officers from Maitland Police have significantly increased their presence at Tomago, and are being very aggressive — please approach with caution and report any incident immediately.
Saturday August 28, 12am — Police Vehicle 4WD Pajero (Rego – BE 79 JM) — a male and female officer were observed harassing men.
It’s been reported that officers are telling men their details are being ‘entered on the system’, and in some cases, that they’ve been ‘seen’ in the area before — we note that it is not against the law to be in the area – no matter how many times you’re approached by officers… officers cannot record your personal details simply because you were in an area that is a ‘known’ beat.
Please also be aware that staff from the Detention Centre have been observed approaching the back fence to see if anyone is parked in the area and calling police.
At Williamstown, a man was told to ‘Fuck Off out of here!’ by officers from Maitland police. Clearly, these comments and actions are unacceptable and highlight serious misconduct and homophobia within the NSW Police Force.
If you’re approached or witness any police activity, please REPORT IMMEDIATELY or send us an EMAIL
Make sure you note the date, time, what officers did and said to you, and always ask for their name, rank and station… you can also note the police vehicle details which will help identify officers. You also have the right to take photographs of officers. All personal details will be treated in the strictest confidence.
Remember, you have every right to be in a public place at any hour of the day
Police patrol beats for a number of reasons, so expect that you may be approached… It’s important to be aware of ways to make your experience safer.
Officers must be respectful and courteous at all times, and cannot make inappropriate or homophobic comments. Police cannot record your personal details into the COPS system, simply because you are in an area that is a ‘known’ beat.
It’s been reported that a police vehicle was observed driving recklessly around the park and playground areas, tearing up the surrounding grassed areas, and harassing men. Read More
We’ve received reports that officers from Redfern LAC continue to patrol the park, and that they are approaching men in the area. They are also driving around the park.
There is no need to run from officers, it is NOT ILLEGAL to be in the park. If approached, remain calm and be polite… always ask for their name and rank, or note the vehicle registration. View Recent Activity
It’s been reported that plain-clothed police officers are operating in the area… a man has been issued an on the spot fine for conduct/engage in offensive behaviour in/near a public place/school and the possibility of a criminal record if he is unsuccessful in his attempts to contest the fine. Read More
It’s been reported that plain-clothed officers have been observed waiting by their car at the west end of car park and taking registration details… ‘next thing you get a visit from the police at your door asking about your activities at this beat.’
Officers have also been approaching men and asking if they are married or in a relationship – this is inappropriate conduct and you do not have to respond to this question – REPORT IMMEDIATELY.
Always ask the officers name/s and make note of what they did and said to you. Please remain calm and be polite — take good care. Read More
We have raised concerns that Maitland Police and local residents in the Maitland area may be encouraging vigilante behaviour and hate-related crime against gay men and beat users. We are aware of ongoing police presence in this park. Read Article
Victoria Police has sacked four officers for making racist and homophobic comments… we applaud Police Chief Commissioner Simon Overland on his courage to address racism and homophobia within the Victorian Police Force, and we will be seeking similar outcomes for homophobic officers in the NSW Police Force.
According to guidelines on policing beats, officers cannot record your personal details or take your vehicle registration details simply because you’re in an area that’s a ‘known’ beat – and they cannot share your information.
If you see a uniformed and/or plain-clothed officer recording your details, always ask for their name, rank and station – or note the vehicle registration and details.
If you also believe you’ve been harassed as a result of having your details recorded – such as having officers turn up at your home to ask why your vehicle was sighted in the area (also a tactic used to shame and intimidate married men), or pull you over on the street… then you need to report it immediately.
DO NOT PANIC – You have every Right to be in a public area at any hour of the day.
We have raised this concern on several occassions with police, and they vehemently deny the existence of a database… even though we have received numerous reports that officers have mentioned one exists.
In practice, any encounter you have with officers is noted on your record – and is accessed when officers perform a background check – even though officers cannot record your personal details into their system simply because you were at a ‘known’ beat.
Men have also been told that their details are being added to the ‘Sexual Offenders’ database – we will raise this issue within our complaints.
Police entrapment is against police procedure – and therefore against the law. Recent reports received about the use of plain-clothed officers to entrap men at Silverwater Park and Sydney Park is cause for great concern… it is important to note that covert operations at beats need to be authorised by senior management.
Interestingly enough, police activity has also been reported in the Newcastle and Illawarra areas – which includes the use of plain-clothed officers… and we are aware of acts of vigilante behaviour and hate-related crime against beat users that police have not responded to appropriately – this raises serious concerns of potential misconduct and corruption across several Regional Commands.
Yes, you have the Right to make a complaint against a police officer if you believe you have been treated unfairly.
Making a complaint against a Police Officer is easy… the NSW Ombudsman generally encourages people to firstly try to resolve their grievances directly with the agency concerned… this generally requires you to lodge a complaint in writing to the NSW Police – and gives them a chance to address your concerns.
If you’re not satisfied with their response, the NSW Ombudsdman will do their best to help you resolve the matter, which may involve just making a phone call or a formal investigation into the conduct of police.
These ongoing concerns may also warrant the need for further investigation by the Police Integrity Commission – who’s principal functions is to detect, investigate and prevent police misconduct, and as far as practicable, is required by law to turn its attention to serious police misconduct by NSW police officers, administrative officers, and officers of the NSW Crime Commission.
Making a complaint against police can seem a complex and frustrating process – and many have also indicated they fear retribution from police – please note victimisation is against the law…
Please contact us if you need further information or any assistance to lodge your complaint… we can also act on your behalf and will assist you to seek legal advice if needed. Read more
We continue to encourage a working relationship with NSW Police to raise concerns about police harassment and inappropriate responses to hate-related crime and vigilante behaviour… and applaud Supt. Donna Adney on her efforts to foster a greater understanding on issues around beat usage, and addressing hate-related crime and vigilante behaviour.
This also requires beat users to take responsibility and play their part to ensure the impact on local residents is reduced.
Don’t be a nuisance – always be mindful of noise, take your litter with you, tidy any litter in the area, respect the environment and don’t venture into re-vegetation areas in national Parks, and always be discrete and move away from areas such as playgrounds during the day.
Let us know what you think about police… and have your say on how we can work to build trust and ensure our safety at beats.
You have the Right to make a complaint against a police officer if you believe you have been treated unfairly… remember, police harassment is unacceptable.
Please contact us if you need further information or any assistance to lodge your complaint… we can also act on your behalf and will assist you to seek legal advice if needed.
Download the NSW Police Force Code of Conduct and Ethics, and Standards of Professional Conduct Booklet… and get advice on how to complain about a police officer.
It’s been reported that plain-clothed officers have been taking registration details and asking if men are married or in a relationship, and for their sexual preference.
It’s been reported that plain-clothed police officers are operating in the area… a man has been fined.
1.50am Sunday morning – July 31, a police vehicle was observed driving recklessly around the park and playground areas, tearing up the surrounding grassed areas, and harassing men.
We are concerned that residents and police in the Maitland area may be encouraging vigilante behaviour and hate-related crime against gay men and beat users.
Most complaints to police and council are due to the litter left behind… please to take your litter with you – make use of the ‘Dog Tidy Bags’ and garbage bins at entrances… don’t throw your cigarette butts on the ground.
Police activity in Sydney Park is steadily increasing… ‘We’re going to clear this place out… and put an end to this carry on’.
Please Be Careful… REPORT IMMEDIATELY or EMAIL
You have every right to be in a public place at any hour of the day… know your rights and ways to keep safe.
View recent activity across NSW.
Remember, if approached by police – Do Not Run… be polite and always remain calm.
Monitor police activity and report immediately… include all details about your incident with police… always ask for the officer’s name.
If you experience or witness police harassment or any questionable behaviour, please report it to us immediately after the incident.
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