Off-Duty Officer Restrains 13-Year-Old Girl on Perth Train, Sparking Investigation

An internal police investigation is underway after an off-duty police officer restrained a 13-year-old girl on a Perth train in April. The incident, captured on video, has drawn commentary from children's commissioners. The girl has been charged with assault, while the officer reported minor injuries.

Incident Details

The incident occurred on a Perth train on the Joondalup line. Sources differ on the exact date, with one reporting April 17 and another April 12, 2026.

Video footage circulated online shows the off-duty officer, in plain clothes, restraining the girl. The footage shows the officer straddling the girl on the carriage floor and later pinning her against a window seat.

During the restraint, the girl's head contacts a window.

Accounts of the Event

Accounts of what preceded the restraint differ.

• The officer's account: He stated he intervened in a verbal altercation to de-escalate the situation and that the girl attempted to punch him. He stated he did not want to be punched again.
• The girl's account: She stated she and her friends were involved in an altercation with other juveniles. She stated the officer pushed her, after which she struck him in the face, which she says was unintentional and followed by an apology.

A bystander questioned the officer's use of force during the incident, with one describing the actions as an "unnecessary escalation."

Aftermath and Charges

Following the incident:

• The 13-year-old girl was charged with one count of common assault and issued a juvenile caution.
• The off-duty officer reported minor injuries and did not require medical treatment.
• The girl stated she had a panic attack during the incident and claims to have ongoing physical pain. She also stated she felt subjected to racism.

Official Statements and Investigation

WA Police have launched an internal investigation into the officer's conduct. The officer remains on operational duties during the investigation. Police stated relevant evidence, including CCTV footage, is being reviewed.

Several officials have commented on the video:

The National Commissioner for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children and Young People, Sue-Anne Hunter, described the video as "deeply disturbing" and called it an example of "unreasonable force."

• The WA Commissioner for Children and Young People, Jacqueline McGowan-Jones, stated that in her opinion, the officer used "excessive force."
• A relative of the girl described the officer's actions as "violent" but expressed respect for the WA Police force generally.
• WA Police Minister Reece Whitby stated the matter is under review and that it is important for inquiries to run their course.