The warning came a day after an NSW man was arrested and charged over his drunken behaviour at the airport (on Sunday).
ABF Assistant Commissioner Chris Waters’s call was prompted by a handful of incidents recently at the airport.
He says a third reported incident in as many months reveals a disturbing, and growing, trend of abuse toward his officers.
“Each week, the ABF clear around 750,000 passengers entering and leaving Australia’s borders through airports,” he says.
“Our officers are hardworking, dedicated men and women. The ABF has zero tolerance towards members of the public who abuse or assault officers while they are carrying out their lawful duties.”
He warns that such behaviour is not acceptable.
“Verbal or physical abuse will not be tolerated; there is no excuse.
“No matter how drunk or tired you are after your flight, we will act swiftly with our law enforcement partners if you behave this way,” assistant commissioner Waters says.
“Like any of us when we go to work, at the very minimum, our officers deserve to be treated with respect and common courtesy.”
Any suspicious behaviour can be reported to Airport Watch at 131 237 (131 AFP).
- On July 14, a NSW man was granted bail in Perth Magistrates Court to reappear on August 11 charged with acting disorderly in public and with obstructing officers. The ABF says that on Sunday, July 13, in the domestic terminal, the 34-year-old defendant was drunk and swearing in public while on a call. The man was refused bar service but returned later and refused re-entry. The man then allegedly acted aggressively towards lounge staff, who called federal police.
- On March 13, a drunk passenger on a flight from Kuala Lumpur became abusive during a baggage search by ABF officers, pulling his pants down repeatedly and throwing his mobile phone at an officer. AFP officers charged him with common assault, disorderly behaviour in public and two counts of indecent acts in public. He pleaded guilty in South Hedland Magistrates Court on May 13 to all four offences and was fined $1500.
- On April 15, a WA traveller returning from Thailand became aggressive after he was chosen for a routine baggage search, the ABF say. When officers said they would seize an undeclared carton of cigarettes, the man punched a hole in a wall. He is due to appear in Perth Magistrates Court in August charged with criminal damage.
Source: AFP/ABF
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