Top cop bans workplace affairs
THE NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller has warned senior officers are putting their jobs at risk by indulging in workplace affairs.
NSW
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THE state’s top cop has slapped a ban on officers having affairs on the job.
NSW Police Commissioner Mick Fuller, who has also drafted in former Sex Discrimination Commissioner Elizabeth Broderick to ensure equal opportunity in the ranks, said he was adopting a zero-tolerance approach to office romances that created problems at work.
While not suggesting police shouldn’t date other police, Mr Fuller warned senior officers needed to ensure their relationships didn’t impact on their duties.
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“It is not my job to be the moral police but I won’t tolerate people having affairs on work time,” he said.
The extraordinary edict was reiterated to Deputy Police Commissioners recently with a direction to filter the message down through the senior ranks.
Unlike the federal government earlier this year banning ministers from sleeping with staffers after the Barnaby Joyce saga, the NSW Police message is not an official “bonk ban” — but rather an attempt to reduce the risk of romances blowing up in the office.
In a separate move highlighting the force’s increasing focus on gender equality, Ms Broderick has been engaged to review diversity in the ranks, with a focus on opportunities for women.
She has built a respected reputation on scrutinising the treatment of women in Australian institutions, including the Australian Defence Force.
More recently she led an investigation into the culture of Sydney’s university colleges.
It’s understood her latest project will involve delving into career progression for women in the police force and promotion opportunities.
Ms Broderick, who was recently appointed by the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva as an expert on discrimination against women in law and practice, was engaged late last month with an aim to report back to Mr Fuller early next year.
Her office yesterday declined to comment, referring inquiries to NSW Police.
The appointment comes as Mr Fuller takes a defiant stance against sexual harassment in the police.
Several sources have confirmed the message is being drummed into officers from the top brass down and taught at professional standards training courses.
“It was made clear that the excuse of ‘it was just banter’ won’t be accepted,” one senior officer said.
Another stated: “He certainly stated that sexual harassment won’t be tolerated and commissioned officers should expect if they are subject to a sustained harassment complaint, they would likely lose his confidence.
“It has always been seen as an offence that would warrant demotion but this is going as far to say it's a show cause for employment.”
The Sunday Telegraph revealed earlier this month that veteran police officer Detective Superintendent Michael Rowan had been suspended amid an investigation into bullying, intimidation and inappropriate relationships in his country command.