NSW Police Culture Review Reveals Widespread Bullying, Mental Health Crisis Among Officers
An independent culture review of NSW Police found that bullying is rife within the force, with many officers experiencing more psychological stress from internal workplace harassment than from the crimes they respond to. The review, led by former Victorian human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton, revealed that over half of officers leaving the force in 2023-24 cited medical and psychological reasons. The findings raise concerns about officer wellbeing and public safety, as burnt-out and traumatized officers may be more likely to use excessive force.
NSW Police, which responds to 1.8 million calls annually involving increasingly complex crimes, faces a significant internal culture problem according to an independent review released Thursday. The review found that bullying is widespread, loyalty is paramount, and officers who speak up face career consequences. More than half of officers leaving the organization in 2023-24 cited medical reasons, with psychological injuries being the primary cause. A 2023 Law Enforcement Conduct Commission report found that over a quarter of officers involved in domestic and family violence incidents had been diagnosed with mental health issues. The review highlighted that officers often experience greater psychological trauma from workplace bullying than from witnessing violent crimes, with some leaving specifically because of colleagues rather than job-related trauma. While a $78 million investment in police wellbeing has been made, many officers remain unaware of or reluctant to access support services due to fear of ostracization.
What different sources said
- The GuardianLeft
‘Punished’ for speaking up: culture of bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination in NSW police
- Sydney Morning HeraldCenter
How are bullied and burnt-out officers expected to keep people safe?
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