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ADC/JCCV call for an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the Vorchheimer case
MEDIA RELEASE 23 December 2007
The B'nai B'rith Anti Defamation Commission (ADC) and the Jewish Community Council of Victoria (JCCV) today called for an “immediate and comprehensive investigation and the laying of further charges or disciplinary proceedings if appropriate” in relation to the conduct of off-duty police officer Senior Constable Terrence Moore and other police officers following revelations concerning the Menachem Vorcheimer case.
Mr Vorchheimer was walking to synagogue with his two young children in October last year when he was racially abused and physically assaulted by a bus load of players from the Ocean Grove Football Club. Senior Constable Moore, who was then off duty was the bus driver at the time of the incident.
Today’s Sunday Age exposed what could only be described as gross irregularities in dealing with this incident. Among several allegations, it was revealed that a witness account dealing with Moore’s behaviour had been altered while in police hands. It was also revealed that Moore was disciplined but only for taking an unauthorised second job.
In a joint statement, ADC Acting Chairman, Mr John Searle and JCCV President, Mr Anton Block, commented:
“We are dismayed by the allegations raised in today’s Sunday Age report. In light of these serious allegations, we urge Victoria Police to undertake an immediate and comprehensive investigation into the matters raised and to lay whatever further charges or disciplinary proceedings are necessary.
“We are also surprised to learn that the only disciplinary measures taken against Senior Constable Moore were related to the fact that he was working on a second job. It appears that other far more serious allegations have been made against him that relate to hindering the police inquiry into the incident. In a recent meeting with Victoria Police we were assured by the Ethical Standards Department that disciplinary action was imposed on Moore, insinuating that he had been disciplined for all aspects of his actions. It now seems that his misconduct on the day in relation to the actual incident was ignored. We call on Victoria Police to reconsider their approach and to take appropriate action in relation to Moore and any other police officers whose conduct warrants attention.
“This antisemitic incident was serious in nature and we expect that it will be treated as such. We are urging Victoria Police to demonstrate accountability and we expect justice to prevail for Mr Vorchheimer. It is imperative that Victoria Police take appropriate action so as to preserve the respect they so rightly deserve from the public.” | 
Antisemitism 