The NSW Police watchdog has recommended that the NSW Police Force sack a Commander after they found he had sexually harassed a junior officer during a home visit.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) made the recommendation to Commissioner Mick Fuller after the watchdog sustained the allegations made against him.
“Allegations of the Commander lying to work colleagues and acting in a manner inconsistent with the NSW Police Force Code of Conduct and Ethics were also sustained and found to constitute serious misconduct,” the LECC announced.
Officer touched the buttock of the female officer
The woman involved was spending the day at home on leave after an ongoing back injury she sustained in the force. The Commander and another officer were scheduled to attend her home unknown to her. The purpose of the visit was to let her know that there were no positions in the force available and she would be transitioning towards a medical discharge.
LECC notes that “[b]y embracing or ‘hugging‘ [the female officer], and kissing her on multiple occasions despite her attempt to avoid contact, the Commission is satisfied that [the male officer] either intentionally or recklessly, acted in contravention of the policies and guidelines of the NSWPF.”
“Repeatedly patting [the female officer’s] buttock and then attempting to have her sit on his lap was seriously improper,” the report continues.
The following day the female officer was able to send two emails to her senior officers regarding the Commander’s inappropriate physical contact.
Sarah is a civil solicitor who primarily practices in defamation, intentional torts against police, privacy and harassment.
