Shane Patton warns police they aren’t ‘above the law’

Victoria’s top cop has told police members they have no place in the force if they think they’re above the law after two officers were arrested following a police pursuit.

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton has issued a warning to his members today about misconduct in the wake of two officers being arrested following a police pursuit through the city.

A memo circulated to 22,000 Victoria Police members this afternoon outlines his disappointment in recent instances of misconduct by a small number of officers.

Mr Patton relays his frustration at recent incidents involving misconduct or criminal behaviour, labelling it “troubling and of deep concern’’.

“Over recent weeks and months, I have seen some very concerning misconduct and criminal incidents involving Victoria Police employees; whether that be police officers, PSOs, PCOs or VPS employees,” Mr Patton writes.

“To say that I am disappointed by the level of criminal and serious misconduct is an understatement.

“We are here to serve the community and keep them safe. It’s as simple as that.

“To hear allegations that some of our own people have been involved in criminal activities, inappropriately accessed police information or bullied or harassed colleagues is absolutely unacceptable. In fact, it is extremely troubling and of deep concern.”

Victoria’s top cop said all members had taken an oath to obey the law.

“To be crystal clear, I expect all employees will uphold the letter of the law, conduct themselves in an appropriate manner and be respectful.”

“If anyone thinks they are above the law, my message is simple: you have no place in this organisation.

“I will not turn a blind eye to this type of behaviour and nor should anyone else. I expect better and the community deserves better.”

Chief Commissioner Shane Patton. Picture: Alex Coppel

It comes as police have announced it will roll out a “culture reform” program this year.

“In the meantime, I remind everyone that you all have a significant part in shaping our organisation," Mr Patton writes.

“This means you must call out any bad behaviour you see or escalate it to the relevant manager. If you do this, you will be supported as it is the right thing to do.

“Victoria Police has a very long and proud history and I will not allow our integrity to be compromised because of those people who have no right to be in our workforce.

“The majority of you conduct yourself with honour every day so let’s not accept these poor behaviours."

Professional Standards Command are investigating the officers, a senior constable and probationary constable, who were allegedly occupants in a Mercedes Benz with three other men when it was pulled over by police in William St on Saturday morning.

The unregistered car sped away after being pulled over by a patrolling police car.

During the pursuit the black Mercedes was observed running a red light before the five occupants fled on foot.

The pursuit ended when the police officers were located.

One of those officers is expected to be charged on summons with drug possession while the second officer remains under investigation.

Both officers, aged 28, have been suspended with pay.

Mr Patton was scathing at the Dani Laidley leaked photo scandal last year.

Police officers circulated photos of the former North Melbourne coach taken while she was in custody at St Kilda Police Station in May, 2020.

Mr Patton described the scandal as one of the worst leaks in Victoria Police’s history.

In December the force revealed 46 people, including 39 police and public servants, were possibly facing disciplinary action.

Six officers central to the leak were ordered to pay Ms Laidley thousands of dollars in compensation.

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