Probe says discipline cop over bus incident

Andrew Mathieson
An internal investigation has recommended disciplinary action against an Ocean Grove cop for his role in a racist attack on a Jewish man in Melbourne.
A Victoria Police spokesperson said Senior Constable Terry Moore faced penalties up to suspension after driving a bus carrying Ocean Grove footballers on the way home from Caulfied races when they clashed with Menachem Vorchheimer.
A player has been convicted and fined $1000 over the incident and two others are yet to face court.
Police allege the players abused and punched Mr Vorcheimer in front of his children.
Victorian Police’s ethical standards department has recommended action against Snr Const Moore for “undertaking unauthorised secondary employment”.
The police spokesperson said the recommendation related to Snr Const Moore driving the minibus.
The spokesperson would not speculate on the likely extent of disciplinary action.
“There are different levels of disciplinary charges, so it might relate to his duties or, in severe cases, it could lead to suspension,” the spokesperson said.
Mr Vorchheimer, 33, has lodged a complaint against Victoria Police at the Equal Opportunity Commission, complaining of head injuries.
Mr Vorchheimer alleges the officer “encouraged and incited” the theft of his Shabbat hat and yumulka and the subsequent physical assault.
Senior police will meet Mr Vorchheimer to explain the disciplinary procedure, the spokesperson said.
Mr Vorchheimer would have an opportunity for mediation with Snr Const Moore through the policy of a Victoria Police management intervention model.
“(Mr Vorchheimer) has the right to accept or decline and it’s up to him and whether he does want to go ahead with it then they’ll organise it among themselves,” the spokesperson said.
The Office of Police Integrity (OPI), which oversaw the ethical standards department’s investigation, had earlier found the officer could have prevented the incident.
OPI acting assistant John Nolan said Snr Const Moore “failed to exercise sufficient control and influence over the offending passengers”.