RANK-and-file police in the riot-torn suburb of Macquarie Fields in far-western Sydney have strongly backed their embattled Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, who was attacked by the NSW Opposition leader John Brogden for his alleged “softly, softly” approach.

Union organiser Mick Hilder said front-line police had condemned Mr Brogden’s attacks on police and the commissioner during theunrest. “Police do not want their commissioner used as a political football,” Mr Hilder said.

RANK-and-file police in the riot-torn suburb of Macquarie Fields in far-western Sydney have strongly backed their embattled Police Commissioner, Ken Moroney, who was attacked by the NSW Opposition leader John Brogden for his alleged “softly, softly” approach.

At a union meeting of more than 60 officers held at the Macquarie Fields police station yesterday, police passed resolutions condemning Mr Brogden’s attempts to make political mileage out of the crisis, which has enveloped the public housing estate.

Senior officers will brief NSW deputy commissioner Dave Madden today about the handling of the riots.

The suburb has remained tense since the death of two young men in a police car chase more than two weeks ago. The deaths triggered five nights of rioting and led to more than 60 arrests.

NSW Police Association vice-president Scott Webber said police raised numerous issues about staffing, resources, inadequate equipment, lack of adequate death and disability insurance, and serious operational concerns in the wake of the riots.

“When you are being belted with rocks, you want answers,” Mr Webber said.

Union organiser Mick Hilder said front-line police had condemned Mr Brogden’s attacks on police and the commissioner during theunrest. “Police do not want their commissioner used as a political football,” Mr Hilder said.

He said Mr Moroney was highly admired as an experienced, hands- on operator who was accessible to his officers. “We don’t want to be used by either party,” Mr Hilder said.

Mr Brogden said he was disappointed the NSW Police Association had taken the “predictable union approach of criticising the Liberal Party, but failed to criticise senior police and the Government”.