Veteran cop escapes charges for alleged Nazi salutes

A police sergeant who allegedly performed the Nazi salute twice won't face criminal charges. (Julian Smith/AAP PHOTOS)

A police officer will not face criminal charges for allegedly performing the Nazi salute twice following advice from state prosecutors.

The veteran police sergeant allegedly made the banned gesture at the Victoria Police Academy at Glen Waverley, in Melbourne's southeast, on successive days in October.

In a statement on Wednesday, Victoria Police said the criminal investigation into the allegations had ended after it sent a brief of evidence to the Office of Public Prosecutions (OPP). 

"We have since received advice from OPP that, based on the circumstances, there is no reasonable prospect of conviction," it said.

"This ends the criminal component of the investigation, and the sergeant will now be subject to an internal discipline investigation.

"The police officer continues to be suspended while the internal discipline investigation process proceeds."

The family violence centre instructor was accused of approaching two employees and performing the salute, as well as uttering the words "heil Hitler".

The following day, in a post family violence scenario debriefing with a recruit squad and another instructor, the sergeant again allegedly performed the salute and said "heil Hitler".

She was suspended with pay and interviewed by Professional Standards Command detectives.

Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said there was no place for the alleged "abhorrent" actions in society, let alone the state's police force.

"The motive doesn't matter," he told reporters at the time.

"The conduct should not, cannot and will not be tolerated, and it just shouldn't have occurred."

Mr Patton apologised to the Jewish and broader community, saying many would undoubtedly feel let down by the officer's alleged behaviour,.

"It lets down our reputation," he said.

"It disappointed me, it made me angry."

State and federal governments have banned Nazi symbols and gestures following concerns of rising anti-Semitism.

Far-right extremist and self-proclaimed "Hitler soldier" Jacob Hersant became the first Victorian found guilty of intentionally performing the Nazi salute in public in October.

He was sentenced to one month in prison but freed on bail pending an appeal.

In Victoria, performing the Nazi salute in public can carry a sentence of up to 12 months in prison and or a $23,000 fine if proven.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store