A New South Wales police officer has been found to have engaged in serious misconduct after repeatedly using excessive force, including against Aboriginal teenagers, and later destroying incriminating body-worn video footage.

Released on Monday by the independent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC), the findings state the officer—who resigned in June last year, a month after the inquiry began—could now face criminal charges after the LECC referred the case to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice on potential criminal proceedings.

Operation Bendoc found the 31-year-old officer used excessive force on six occasions between February and April 2024, and threw two body-worn video (BWV) devices into the water to "conceal or destroy evidence of his misconduct". Known as BEN1, he admitted during a private LECC examination in June 2024 that he had used excessive force on multiple occasions.

The most serious incident involved a report of four young people at a train station with weapons. Two teenagers, then aged 14 and 15, were arrested; the other two were not found.

One teenager, CIV2, was grabbed by the collar and, according to the LECC, BEN1 "dragged him a couple of metres away from the wall". He then threw the teen to the ground.

Another officer observed BEN1 was "having a go" at CIV2, speaking through gritted teeth as the teenager was "screaming in fear".

According to the LECC report: "CIV2 was then laying on the ground with his hands restrained behind his back in handcuffs. Officer BEN1 then, standing over CIV2, pulled his right leg back behind his body and kicked CIV2 on the ground with force. The foot of Officer BEN1 connected with the mid back area of CIV2 and the impact made a sound."

A fellow officer later said they "practically had to pull [Officer BEN1] off the guy to stop him".

An affidavit from the Aboriginal Legal Service stated CIV2 had been assaulted, noting a graze and other marks on his face, which he said were caused by the officer.

Other excessive-force allegations in the LECC report include BEN1 removing a cyclist's face mask and scratching their face "for no apparent reason," with the rider believing it "may have been racially motivated".

In response, BEN1 said: "For me, a person wearing a face mask - indicates criminality or - to me, in my mind, it indicates he's hiding his identity."

In another incident in April, a fellow officer said they saw BEN1 deliver at least two knee strikes during an arrest. BEN1 admitted to grabbing the person's face to "inflict a bit more pain so he would put his hands behind his back".

Regarding the February incident, he said he was "blinded" with anger. "I certainly felt so angry that my response was to lash out and kick him," he said.

Asked whether it was lawful force, he told the commission, "No, no, no, it was excessive. It was excessive. But it achieved a function."

Chief Commissioner, Peter Johnson SC, said Operation Bendoc "revealed the repeated use of gratuitous force by a police officer for punitive reasons". He added: "This is deeply troubling. Punishment of offenders is a matter for the courts. It is no part of the function of police officers."

The LECC report also found that BEN1 discussed his misconduct and the disposal of BWV footage with four other officers. Because they failed to report it, the LECC found serious misconduct against them as well and recommended the Police Commissioner take action under the Police Act 1990.

Commissioner Johnson said the "destruction of BWV devices to conceal an unlawful act is of great concern," and emphasised officers must comply with requirements to retain footage.

"Strong action is necessary to deter officers who do not comply with these important requirements, the Commissioner said.

The findings add to existing criticism of NSW Police, particularly regarding their treatment of First Nations people.

In 2023, former constable Ryan Barlow was convicted of assaulting an Aboriginal boy during an arrest in which the child was injured and left bleeding. Barlow used a controversial leg-sweep manoeuvre—permitted but not taught by NSW Police. He is no longer with the force.

Furthermore, data has shown Aboriginal children are more likely to be strip-searched, and communities with large Indigenous populations were disproportionately monitored and fined during COVID-19 lockdowns.

The LECC has also criticised police for coercing Indigenous children as young as ten into interviews against legal advice and for failing to use BWV.