Police ‘harassment' goes viral

A video of a Queensland rider being harassed by the state’s police in multiple patrol cars has created a social media frenzy. See the video here:

The video was recorded by the Harley-Davidson Fat Boy rider, Jamie Evans, after he was targeted by police while he was at a service station.

Up to four patrol cars were on the scene at one stage, with Evans questioned about his riding attire, licence details, acquaintances and travel details. One female police officer also asked why Mr Evans was riding with a leather vest on a hot day.

Jamie is a member of the Misfits Social Motorcycle Club, and his vest carries the Misfits name.

Mr Evans recorded the 10-minute conversation, and the video was subsequently uploaded onto YouTube.

“From what I witnessed at the servo, the tide is turning against the government on this,” Jamie was quoted as saying by www.motorbikewriter.com. “I was amazed at the amount of people coming and going who filmed it and gave me their names and contact numbers and said to get in touch if I needed a witness.

“I’ve been an LNP voter all my life and I will never vote LNP again.

“The police need to learn some people skills. They speak down to us and speak to us as a criminal before we even get a chance to say anything.”

Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart again apologised if any recreational riders had been inconvenienced amid the crackdown.

“Some good people in the community, including recreational motorcyclists, are going to be inconvenienced and I'm sorry if that's happened to Jamie,'' Mr Stewart told ABC radio.

Stewart confirmed the Misfits was not one of the criminal gangs named under the state's new anti-association laws.

Queensland Police Media has commented on the incident involving Jamie Evans. It reads as follows: “Police were conducting an ongoing operation in the Logan District and due to the location and circumstances of the vehicle police intercepted the man at a nearby location.

“No offences were detected.

“The Queensland Police Service thanks members of the community for their ongoing assistance. Public information can often provide vital intelligence to prevent and solve crime, ensure community safety, and is vital to the QPS mission to dismantle and eliminate criminal motorcycle gangs in Queensland.

“Law-abiding motorcyclists and members of the community have nothing to fear from this increased police presence and operational activity.”