A Western Australian police officer has resigned after performing a sex act on a colleague during a boozy pub party, while another officer who witnessed the incident has kept his job.
Incident details
The incident occurred at a pub in Perth's southern suburbs in November 2023, following a work function. The officers involved were off-duty at the time. According to internal police reports, the first officer, a senior constable, performed a sex act on a male colleague without his consent. The victim, also a senior constable, reported the incident the following day.
Investigation and outcomes
The WA Police Force conducted an internal investigation. The officer who performed the act resigned before disciplinary proceedings could be completed. The second officer, who witnessed the act and did not intervene, was found to have breached professional standards but was allowed to keep his job after receiving a formal warning and additional training.
Police Commissioner Col Blanch said the force had a zero-tolerance policy for sexual misconduct. "This type of behavior is completely unacceptable and has no place in the WA Police Force," he said. "We expect our officers to uphold the highest standards of professionalism and integrity at all times."
Victim's response
The victim officer expressed disappointment with the outcome, particularly that the witnessing officer faced no significant penalty. He said the incident had a lasting impact on his mental health and trust in colleagues.
Broader context
The case has raised questions about workplace culture within the WA Police Force. In recent years, the force has faced several scandals involving misconduct, including sexual harassment and bullying. A 2022 review found that 40% of female officers had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
Police union representatives have called for a cultural shift and better support for victims. The union said the resignation of the officer was "appropriate" but stressed the need for systemic changes to prevent future incidents.
Reaction from authorities
The Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC) has been notified of the incident and is monitoring the police investigation. A CCC spokesperson said the commission would assess whether any further action is required.
Premier Roger Cook said he had full confidence in Commissioner Blanch to address workplace issues. "I expect the WA Police Force to be a safe and respectful environment for all officers," Cook said.
The resignation has sparked debate about accountability and whether more severe penalties are needed for witnesses who fail to report misconduct. Some legal experts argue that failing to intervene should be treated as a serious breach of duty.
Meanwhile, the WA Police Force has announced additional training on consent and bystander intervention for all officers. The force is also reviewing its policies on alcohol consumption at work-related events.
