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'He's off his chops on something': Officers under review for detaining ABC journalist

Queensland police are reportedly reviewing two officers who detained an ABC journalist and accused him of being on drugs.

Journalist Josh Bavas filmed the moment he was stopped by police outside a Bunnings store in Oxley on Saturday, because the two officers thought he was "off his chops on something".

Mr Bavas claimed he was stopped by police because they thought he was under the influence of drugs.

"Was just detained by police outside Bunnings because they said I was on drugs. I have a cold. Unbelievable," he posted online after the incident, along with the video.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has also commented on the incident.

She told reporters that she was "a bit concerned" after watching the footage.

"I watched it and I was a bit concerned," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I want to pay tribute to all of our police men and women out there that are serving our community.

"However, when you are serving our community you also need to respect the community as well."

The premier acknowledged an internal process was under way and said she did not want to pre-empt its outcome.

But she said personally filming interactions with police, in some instances, was warranted.

The officer stopped ABC journalist Josh Bavas. Source: Twitter
The officer stopped ABC journalist Josh Bavas. Source: Twitter

Her comments came after the clip also caught the eye of Ipswich Deputy Mayor Paul Tully, who tweeted on Sunday: "What the betting (sic) nothing happens over (the) incident and that it's quietly swept under the carpet?"

NITV reporter Myles Morgan, who previously clashed with officers himself at an Anzac Day protest in Canberra, also responded to the Queensland footage, tweeting there were "two sides" to every story but noting an "unprofessional, intimidating side".

In the aforementioned video, an officer insists Mr Bavas is on drugs because of his reaction to sunlight.

"Mate the fact you've got pinpoint eyes and you're looking directly into the sun and they're not dilating due to the sunlight, I believe you to be under the influence of a dangerous drug," the police officer can be heard saying.

"So for the moment, I'm going to detain you for the purpose of a [search]."

"You're going to detain me?" Mr Bavas protests.

The first officer then turns to a second officer and claims Mr Bavas is "off his chops on something".

"If we hadn't hung onto you, you'd have floated off into outer space," the second officer says.

The second officer. Source: Twitter
The second officer. Source: Twitter

Mr Bavas did not have any identification on him at the time of the stop, claiming it was left in his car.

A Queensland Police Service spokesman said in a statement they were "aware" of the footage.

"In keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency and accountability, senior officers have reviewed the footage and are examining the behaviour of the police involved," the spokesman said.

"The man was not in possession of dangerous drugs and was released without further action taken."

ABC News director Gaven Morris tweeted following the incident to tell those concerned that Mr Bavas was "fine" and "getting on with his Sunday".

Mr Bavas told his Twitter followers that he would be finishing up the day by building a retaining wall.

"For the record, it's all water under the bridge," he said.

"Police have a job to do. Won't be following this any further. A strange misunderstanding."