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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Bageshri Savyasachi

Internal probe underway into cops in NRL stars' arrest, minister says

Police have begun an internal investigation of police officers who arrested Jack Wighton and Latrell Mitchell after the charges were dismissed in court, ACT Police Minister Mick Gentleman says.

It's understood the AFP executive have referred the entire matter to the Professional Standards team, which investigates serious misconduct and corruption matters.

The minister said Chief Police Officer Neil Gaughan had told him the officers involved had been referred to the internal standards unit of ACT Policing.

ACT's Minister for Police Mick Gentleman, centre, said there is an investigation into the decision to charge Jack Wighton, left, and Latrell Mitchell. Pictures by Sitthixay Ditthavong, Karleen Minney

"There'll be an investigation of that procedure there and I don't want to preempt that so I'd like to see that go through and of course the Chief Police Officer will be making comment after that occurs," Mr Gentleman said on ABC Radio.

"I think it's important that that does occur so we can investigate what occurred in this state."

He said he expected a review of the officers, but did not want to take any advance action before the internal standards unit investigation was completed.

This comes after Sergeant David Power, the policeman overseeing Latrell Mitchell and Jack Wighton's arrest, admitted in the ACT Magistrates Court to providing "false evidence".

Charges against Mr Mitchell and Mr Wighton were dismissed after CCTV footage contradicted the sergeant's claims in court.

The rugby league players are now seeking compensation for legal costs.

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