The son of a 61-year-old police sergeant who was sacked over printing singlets with an “offensive” reference to the Yuendumu shooting is among almost 20 police personnel under investigation over their alleged knowledge of the singlets.

The sergeant was suspended from duty without pay in April for “serious breaches of discipline pursuant to the Police Administration Act 1978”, according to NT Police, and was sacked earlier this week.

He has 14 days to appeal the dismissal. 

The NT Independent understands at least 17 more officers, including the sacked cop’s 19 -year-son -who is training to be a police auxiliary – are now under investigation over their alleged knowledge of the sale and distribution of singlets, which bore the slogan: “Don’t wanna get shot, don’t stab a cop. #Blue Lives Matter”.

The shirts were made after Constable Zachary Rolfe was charged with murder following the death of Kumanjayi Walker at Yuendumu in November.

Constable Rolfe has pleaded not guilty to the charge, with his lawyers telling a court he and his partner were stabbed by Mr Walker before Const Rolfe shot him dead.

At least 17 other police officers and trainees have been served with notices, asking them to explain why they shouldn’t be sanctioned over their knowledge of or involvement in the distribution of the shirts.

Sources told the NT Independent the son was under investigation because he had “failed to dob in his dad”, while others being investigated include officers who had purchased the shirts.

In a statement issued to the NT News, police confirmed the officers were under investigation.

“Northern Territory Police professional standards command have conducted further investigations,” police said in the statement.

“A number of officers have been identified and have been directed to provide a response to allegations pursuant to Part IV of the Police Administration Act 1978.

“This process is confidential and ongoing and as such no details will be provided about the officers concerned.

“No outcome is able to be determined until the concerned officers have responded and investigations are completed.”

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