Crooked cops axed after assault, harassment, stalking and predatory sexual misconduct

A VICTORIA Police member who groomed vulnerable domestic violence victims for sex is among the officers axed from the force for serious misconduct.

Corrupt cops who preyed on domestic violence victims for sex are among those to have been kicked off the force.

CORRUPT cops who preyed on domestic violence victims for sex are among those to have been kicked off the force.

A police report has revealed deviancy within the ranks of Victoria Police, including assault, harassment, stalking and predatory sexual misconduct.

In one instance, a senior constable restrained a child and led him away before punching him without provocation.

Others stalked members of the public and pursued drunk and vulnerable women.

Sixteen dismissals were appealed in formal hearings conducted by The Police Registration and Services Board in 2016-17.

The independent authority upheld the majority of decisions, according to its annual report.

Two male officers were axed over inappropriate sexual relationships with women who had sought police help for domestic violence.

A senior constable became sexually involved with several domestic violence victims, in what the independent board described as “serious” predatory behaviour.

Documents reveal the officer entered into a sexual relationship with one victim knowing it would likely worsen her “ugly” relationship with her ex-husband, against whom she had taken out an intervention order.

Corrupt cops who preyed on domestic violence victims for sex are among those to have been kicked off the force.

The disgraced officer pursued a separate domestic violence victim for sex while she was drunk and groomed another woman in her own home.

“His behaviour was calculated, knowing and entirely self-interested,” read his dismissal.

“Vulnerable members of the public must be able to seek help from the police force without any risk that they will be vulnerable to further harm from those entrusted to protect them.”

A senior sergeant was also axed from the force for sexual misconduct including exposing his penis to a female colleague.

The same officer was accused of grabbing his crotch and making sexually explicit comments while talking to another woman.

A senior constable who assaulted a child protected by the Department of Health and Human Services was also dismissed.

The officer — who was not charged — handcuffed the defenceless 15-year-old and took him to an area out of sight before slamming him into a wall, gripping the back of his neck and punching him in the lower back.

The assault was unprovoked and the youth was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

A senior sergeant who was under the influence of alcohol when he crashed his car and fled was also removed from the force.

Other dismissal decisions related to stalking convictions, harassment and falsifying timesheets.

Victoria Police spokeswoman Anthoula Moutis said these sorts of behaviours are not widespread across the force and such misconduct would not be tolerated.

“Police are expected at all times to conduct themselves professionally both with their colleagues and when dealing with members of the public,” she said.

“Any police member who exploits their position or takes advantage of a vulnerable person will be investigate.”