Sexual predator cops axed from Victoria Police
A LONG-serving senior constable who had sex with a mentally vulnerable woman after she threatened to kill herself is among the members of Victoria Police sacked for predatory sexual behaviour.
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A LONG-serving senior constable who had sex with a mentally vulnerable woman after she threatened to kill herself is among the members of Victoria Police sacked for predatory sexual behaviour.
He lied to superiors when confronted about his sexual relationship with the woman, whom he visited at her home several times for “welfare checks” while on duty.
It was later discovered the woman worked unpaid at his private gardening business for over 18 months.
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The senior constable was dismissed after a disgraceful conduct charge was proved against him. He unsuccessfully appealed at a Police Registration and Services Board hearing last year.
During the 2017-18 financial year, the independent authority upheld decisions to dismiss two other male officers over sexually inappropriate acts.
A Protective Services Officer was dismissed for concerning behaviour including sexual comments to female colleagues and members of the public.
A probationary constable also failed in his appeal, over his dismissal for predatory behaviour toward three female trainee officers.
On one occasion, he cornered one in a dark stairwell at the police academy and would not let her leave. He later pleaded with her not to tell anyone.
A Victoria Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commission review in 2015 found an entrenched culture of sexism within Victoria Police ranks.
Taskforce Salus, which investigates sexual harassment and predatory behaviour within the force, has conducted over 400 investigations since it was established around the same time.
The probes have led to 43 members leaving for the force.
Assistant Commissioner Luke Cornelius said: “Victoria Police employees can be in no doubt that sexual harassment and predatory behaviour is no longer tolerated.”
It has also established organisation-wide training programs and victim support systems in an ongoing effort to transform workplace culture.
Other cases reviewed by PRSB include officers accused of obtaining financial advantage by deception, unauthorised disclosure of information, making a false assault claim against a person in custody, drug use and drink driving.
Over 50 Victoria Police officers and PSOs were charged throughout 2017-18, according to their annual report.