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Today's papers.
Sat, 22 October 2022 5:00AM
An explosive report has lifted the lid on a culture of alleged bullying and sexism at the WA Police Academy, which is being blamed for driving some recruits out of the force. (Officers pictured are not involved in the allegations).An explosive report has lifted the lid on a culture of alleged bullying and sexism at the WA Police Academy, which is being blamed for driving some recruits out of the force. (Officers pictured are not involved in the allegations). Credit: The West Australian
An explosive report has lifted the lid on a culture of alleged bullying and sexism at the WA Police Academy, which is being blamed for driving some recruits out of the force.
The West Australian can reveal the disturbing allegations are contained in a WA Police Union report and is based on a survey of 135 ex-officers and recruits who resigned between January and June this year.
Several former recruits claim they were driven to quit their dream jobs due to harassment and bullying and sexist behaviour at the Joondalup academy.
“The culture at the Police Academy was beyond unreasonable in my experience,” one ex-recruit said in the 21 page report.
‘It’s not acceptable’
“The treatment of recruits included bullying, belittling, bastardisation on a personal level, humiliation, and unreasonable expectations.
“Sexism and harassment are a very real part of the academy culture.”
A second recruit stated male recruits were “pushed much harder” than women recruits during their time with the operational safety and tactics training unit (OSTTU).
Thanks to the vile attitudes and toxic culture of the personnel I had to work with, my dream had to end.
“I was almost asphyxiated during the wrestling part of determination day by the instructor,” the recruit said, adding: “Female recruits were barely touched by instructors in OSTTU, whilst I got a black eye blood nose and split lip.”
Another recruit noted they had to go on sick leave due to “ongoing bullying that occurred at the academy.”
The report also found “dissatisfaction with WA Police Force management and culture” was the primary factor for the 135 officers resigning, with more than 76 per cent selecting it as a reason.
“Let it be known that this was my dream. To serve the WA community with integrity and honour,” another officer who quit stated in the report.
Mass exodus
Phil Hickey
“Thanks to the vile attitudes and toxic culture of the personnel I had to work with, my dream had to end.”
After being provided with the bullying and sexism allegations contained in the report, Police Minister Paul Papalia told The West: “Police have told us they have no knowledge of these matters. If someone does have a complaint I urge them to report it so appropriate action can be taken”.
WA Police also confirmed late yesterday it had no information about the academy related allegations.
“WA Police Force has received no reports of the matters highlighted ... however, if further information came to light, these matters would be investigated,” a force spokesperson said, adding: “Any employee who experiences inappropriate behaviour, including while training as a recruit, is encouraged to come forward.
“WA Police Force has adopted a strong stance against inappropriate workplace behaviours and penalties for officers found guilty of this misconduct can including dismissal.”
WA Police Union 85th Annual Conference at Parmelia Hilton Hotel Acting President Mick Kelly. Picture: Kelsey ReidWA Police Union boss Mick Kelly. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
But WA Police Union boss Mick Kelly said the findings in the report should spark the State Government to “take seriously the problem of police officers resigning from the Western Australia Police Force” and said the claims around sexism and bullying should be investigated.
“We’ve heard from numerous police employees who’ve complained about poor treatment including bullying and sexual harassment,” Mr Kelly said.
“We encourage anyone who feels as though they’ve been a victim to report any incidents and for the police hierarchy to judiciously investigate these matters.”
The report comes after The West Australian revealed on Wednesday how a male officer in charge of a police station who allegedly groped the chest of a woman colleague — a breast cancer survivor — was among dozens of cops booted out of the force in the past financial year.
The senior policeman, who quit before his dismissal could be finalised, was one of 44 officers given a referral for “loss of confidence” — the most serious form of punishment which ultimately results in dismissal.
He was apprehended after the disturbing incident earlier this year which involved an female officer who had undergone a double mastectomy.
The West revealed how the number of police hit with serious internal sanctions more than doubled during 2021-22, with WA Police vowing to crack down on sexual misconduct and family violence perpetrators within the force.
A number of allegations involving police officers sexually assaulting colleagues had also been investigated by the force in the past two years.
In an interview with The West Australian earlier this week Deputy Commissioner Kylie Whitley denied there were widespread issues of harassment in the force, but said bullying was among the issues police were cracking down on.
“We don’t see any systemic themes of harassment or you know, inappropriate comments or behaviours in any particular parts (of the agency),” she said.
“There are sometimes individual complaints.
“We will continue to make sure our workplace provides the best opportunity for our police officers to do the job that they’re employed to do which is to keep the community safe.
“Part of that is making sure it’s free from any bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, or any family violence related misconduct.”
WA Police engulfed by sexism and bullying allegations at Joondalup academy, new union report shows
Phil Hickey and Daryna Zadvirna The West AustralianSat, 22 October 2022 5:00AM
An explosive report has lifted the lid on a culture of alleged bullying and sexism at the WA Police Academy, which is being blamed for driving some recruits out of the force. (Officers pictured are not involved in the allegations).An explosive report has lifted the lid on a culture of alleged bullying and sexism at the WA Police Academy, which is being blamed for driving some recruits out of the force. (Officers pictured are not involved in the allegations). Credit: The West Australian
An explosive report has lifted the lid on a culture of alleged bullying and sexism at the WA Police Academy, which is being blamed for driving some recruits out of the force.
The West Australian can reveal the disturbing allegations are contained in a WA Police Union report and is based on a survey of 135 ex-officers and recruits who resigned between January and June this year.
Several former recruits claim they were driven to quit their dream jobs due to harassment and bullying and sexist behaviour at the Joondalup academy.
“The culture at the Police Academy was beyond unreasonable in my experience,” one ex-recruit said in the 21 page report.
‘It’s not acceptable’
exclusive
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“The treatment of recruits included bullying, belittling, bastardisation on a personal level, humiliation, and unreasonable expectations.
“Sexism and harassment are a very real part of the academy culture.”
A second recruit stated male recruits were “pushed much harder” than women recruits during their time with the operational safety and tactics training unit (OSTTU).
Thanks to the vile attitudes and toxic culture of the personnel I had to work with, my dream had to end.
“I was almost asphyxiated during the wrestling part of determination day by the instructor,” the recruit said, adding: “Female recruits were barely touched by instructors in OSTTU, whilst I got a black eye blood nose and split lip.”
Another recruit noted they had to go on sick leave due to “ongoing bullying that occurred at the academy.”
The report also found “dissatisfaction with WA Police Force management and culture” was the primary factor for the 135 officers resigning, with more than 76 per cent selecting it as a reason.
“Let it be known that this was my dream. To serve the WA community with integrity and honour,” another officer who quit stated in the report.
Mass exodus
exclusive
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Phil Hickey“Thanks to the vile attitudes and toxic culture of the personnel I had to work with, my dream had to end.”
After being provided with the bullying and sexism allegations contained in the report, Police Minister Paul Papalia told The West: “Police have told us they have no knowledge of these matters. If someone does have a complaint I urge them to report it so appropriate action can be taken”.
WA Police also confirmed late yesterday it had no information about the academy related allegations.
“WA Police Force has received no reports of the matters highlighted ... however, if further information came to light, these matters would be investigated,” a force spokesperson said, adding: “Any employee who experiences inappropriate behaviour, including while training as a recruit, is encouraged to come forward.
“WA Police Force has adopted a strong stance against inappropriate workplace behaviours and penalties for officers found guilty of this misconduct can including dismissal.”
WA Police Union 85th Annual Conference at Parmelia Hilton Hotel Acting President Mick Kelly. Picture: Kelsey ReidWA Police Union boss Mick Kelly. Credit: Kelsey Reid/The West Australian
But WA Police Union boss Mick Kelly said the findings in the report should spark the State Government to “take seriously the problem of police officers resigning from the Western Australia Police Force” and said the claims around sexism and bullying should be investigated.
“We’ve heard from numerous police employees who’ve complained about poor treatment including bullying and sexual harassment,” Mr Kelly said.
“We encourage anyone who feels as though they’ve been a victim to report any incidents and for the police hierarchy to judiciously investigate these matters.”
The report comes after The West Australian revealed on Wednesday how a male officer in charge of a police station who allegedly groped the chest of a woman colleague — a breast cancer survivor — was among dozens of cops booted out of the force in the past financial year.
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Tim ClarkeThe senior policeman, who quit before his dismissal could be finalised, was one of 44 officers given a referral for “loss of confidence” — the most serious form of punishment which ultimately results in dismissal.
He was apprehended after the disturbing incident earlier this year which involved an female officer who had undergone a double mastectomy.
The West revealed how the number of police hit with serious internal sanctions more than doubled during 2021-22, with WA Police vowing to crack down on sexual misconduct and family violence perpetrators within the force.
A number of allegations involving police officers sexually assaulting colleagues had also been investigated by the force in the past two years.
In an interview with The West Australian earlier this week Deputy Commissioner Kylie Whitley denied there were widespread issues of harassment in the force, but said bullying was among the issues police were cracking down on.
“We don’t see any systemic themes of harassment or you know, inappropriate comments or behaviours in any particular parts (of the agency),” she said.
“There are sometimes individual complaints.
“We will continue to make sure our workplace provides the best opportunity for our police officers to do the job that they’re employed to do which is to keep the community safe.
“Part of that is making sure it’s free from any bullying, harassment, sexual misconduct, or any family violence related misconduct.”
