A biker who has been living and working in Whyalla for the past eight months has defended members of biking groups, saying not everyone should be painted with the same brush.
Tony Nicholls said bikers were normal people with families and responsible jobs and just because some members were connected with crime, the whole biking community should not be looked upon with suspicion.
He made these comments in reaction to the front-page story on Monday's Whyalla News.
He said the comments made by Detective Senior Sergeant John Schulz of the Crime Gangs Task Force for South Australia during a public meeting in Whyalla were libellous.
Senior Sergeant Schulz said anyone who is not a member or is not involved in biker group related crimes should not worry.
Police will judge each case individually and those associated with the groups or involved with them in any way will be assessed accordingly.
Mr Nicholls said Whyalla News was irresponsible in printing the comments.
He said he has been associated with biking groups for a number of years, although he was not a member and has never been arrested for illegal activities.
"The article and the comments made by Senior Sergeant Schulz has tagged anyone who is associated with biking groups as criminals and drug dealers and is basically a breach of the civil rights of innocent bikers," Mr Nicholls said.
"I have done a lot of volunteer work with other members of biking groups and I think it is unfair to be suspicious of anyone who is on a motorcycle or is seen with a OMCG member.
"My concern is why put a tag?
"Why can't the bikers be treated as individuals and like any other criminal or suspect be reprimanded when they commit a crime.
"Making general statements or being suspicious of anyone who knows a OMCG member is not right."