Police Officer Charged with Assault Against Teenager in Ballarat

A Victorian police officer has been charged with common assault against a teenager following an investigation into the use of force during an arrest in Ballarat last October.

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission (IBAC) said the officer, a detective senior constable, allegedly unlawfully punched and kicked the teenager multiple times after they were handcuffed and compliant. The teenager was under 18 years old at the time of the incident.

IBAC's investigation was part of Operation Loch, which looked into the use of force by the police officer against the child during the arrest. The officer is expected to appear before Ballarat Magistrates' Court next month. Victoria Police has been contacted for comment.