NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb called out for using WhatsApp after banning officers from using it
NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been criticised for using the social media platform WhatsApp to communicate with a radio host after banning her officers from using it.
NSW
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NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb has been called out for using WhatsApp just days after she banned her troops from using it.
The Daily Telegraph revealed on Monday that Ms Webb had informed her 17,000-strong force that any encrypted messaging apps on work phones must be deleted, along with any social media platforms.
She said the ban was the result of recommendations from a recent Law Enforcement Conduct Commission enquiry.
But 2GB radio host Ray Hadley revealed that on that same night, Ms Webb used WhatsApp to contact him about an unrelated matter.
“Strangely, last night I got a text message from Karen Webb, and it was a private text message... but guess what, it came on WhatsApp, no doubt using her private phone,” Hadley said.
“NSW Police are in crisis, we have record numbers leaving the force...the rank and file say the decision to stop them using WhatsApp and other forms of social media to interact with the public and fellow officers, and sometimes the media, is stupid,” Hadley said.
“This is all about her going after police who leak to the media because of their frustration with her performance,” he added.
A spokesperson for NSW Police said the social media and messaging app ban was part of a security upgrade on work phones.
“With this software installed, social media and other personal apps will not work or be downloadable to NSWPF issued devices,” the spokesperson said.
More to come.
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Originally published as NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb called out for using WhatsApp after banning officers from using it
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