NSW Police have commended the behaviour of those who joined in the Mardi Gras 2022 festivities.
The high-visibility and mobile police operation in place yesterday (Saturday 5 March 2022) was aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of the community and targeting anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related violence.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Gelina Talbot, said the overall behaviour of crowds, including the organisers and attendees of the protest at Taylor Square, Oxford Street and Hyde Park was pleasing.
Later in the night, the Mardi Gras Parade, with a "United We Shine" theme, was held at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) with 28,500 spectators and 3,500 participants in attendance.
The New South Wales Police Force contingent at the parade was led by NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb APM. It marked the first time that a serving NSW Police Commissioner attended and reflected the organisation's commitment to inclusion, diversity and equality.
"I am immensely proud of all of our officers and it was a pleasure walking with them at this important event. This organisation will continue to represent the best of NSW," Commissioner Webb said.
Youth safety was another focus of the operation, with officers monitoring underage drinking and exercising tip out powers in the operation footprint, including Moore Park, Hyde Park and Oxford Street.
Of note, officers arrested four people within the SCG after they entered the pitch during the parade about 8.45pm. They were removed from the SCG and issued banning notices.
Further, a 17-year-old boy was charged with commit offensive act in, on war memorial and possess prohibited drug after he allegedly urinated on the ANZAC Memorial within Hyde Park about 10.45pm. He is due to appear before a children's court on Tuesday 12 April 2022.
"Yesterday's celebration was the perfect example of a successful Mardi Gras event, and I am proud that the officers of the NSW Police Force, an organisation that promotes diversity and inclusion, contributed to that success," Assistant Commissioner Talbot said.
"Despite the few incidents that officers responded to during the Mardi Gras operation, the majority of people were well-behaved and enjoyed their celebrations safely and responsibly."
