The chief of Victoria Police has issued a warning to employees about their conduct after a jump in disciplinary hearings.
Chief Commissioner Shane Patton said while most employees did the right thing, “a number of individuals” thought rules did not apply to them and that they could treat people with disrespect.
“I want to be crystal clear. No one in this organisation is above the law,” he said in an email to all employees.
“In fact, I would go as far as saying I have higher expectations for Victoria Police employees than I have for anyone else.”
Key themes that emerged during the hearings were unjustified access and use of police information, sexual harassment and predatory behaviour, vilifying behaviour towards minority groups, family violence, drink-driving and drug-taking.
Mr Patton said in most cases employees who committed those acts could be dismissed and the force would consider criminal charges.
“Make no mistake, these behaviours will never be acceptable. Plain and simple,” Mr Patton said.
“If you choose to engage in this type of behaviour, or any other form of misconduct, it will diminish my confidence in your suitability to work at Victoria Police.”
Disciplinary processes are being simplified in a move to promote transparency and timeliness.
It comes after several high-profile instances of alleged police misconduct, including when police officers leaked photos of former AFL coach Danielle Laidley, which were then shared on social media.
Ms Laidley reached a confidential financial settlement with Victoria Police over the matter.
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