TWO police officers have been charged with assault for allegedly beating an off-duty cop in Ballarat.

The female officer was on stress leave from Victoria Police when she was arrested on January 15, 2015, for being drunk in public.

She was then allegedly abused, stripped and stomped at Ballarat police station.

CCTV vision from the incident shows the woman being dragged through the station before having her underpants pulled down, leaving her half-naked on the ground.

Charges were put against the woman due to her night in custody but they were later withdrawn.

Victoria Police announced today two officers have now been charged with common law assault.

“Two police members have been charged following Professional Standards Command and IBAC investigations,” a Victoria Police spokesman said.

“A female Leading Senior Constable, from the Western Region, has been charged on summons with one count of common law assault.

“A male Senior Constable, from the Western Region, has been charged on summons with two counts of common law assault.”

The Police Association is supporting the two officers who have been charged.

“The increasingly complex nature of crime and increasing demands on police mean officers need more workplace support,” said incoming Police Association Secretary Wayne Gatt.

“Our officers make minute-to-minute decisions to keep the public safe — and they must be supported in making judgement calls in their daily interactions with the public.

“The officers charged today have the support of their colleagues and The Police Association.

“Although we are unable to comment on specifics, this is clearly an example of the challenges of modern policing that face individual police officers every day.

“Policing has never been tougher than it is today and large regional centres like Ballarat are some of the most challenging areas to police.

“Although the state government has committed 2,729 more police over the next four years, many major regional centres will continue to be under pressure until much-needed officers are deployed.”

The officers have been transferred to “non-operational duties”.

They will appear in Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on March 6.

david.hurley@news.com.au

@davidhurleyHS