Current and former officers of the NSW Police Force are breaking their silence, revealing a deeply rooted toxic workplace culture marked by persistent bullying, sexism, and intimidation.
In a series of candid accounts, these officers describe a system where speaking out often leads to retaliation, and where unacceptable behavior is routinely ignored or even enabled by those in power.
From frontline constables to seasoned detectives, many say they endured a culture of silence, fear, and exclusion. As public trust in law enforcement faces increasing scrutiny, these revelations are sparking urgent calls for accountability, reform, and support for those who risk everything by coming forward.
The voices of these officers shed light on a crisis that can no longer be ignored.
Read More: NSW Police Officers Speak Out on Toxic Workplace Culture, Bullying, and Sexism
Former and Current Officers Reveal a Deepening Crisis Within the Force
More than a dozen current and former New South Wales Police Force officers have come forward to expose what they describe as a deeply entrenched culture of bullying, nepotism, sexism, and psychological neglect.
In a months-long investigation by ABC News, the officers offered harrowing, yet strikingly similar accounts of an organisation they say punishes whistleblowers, silences dissent, and abandons those suffering from mental health issues like PTSD.
Mental Health Ignored, Retaliation Feared
One officer recounted how, after reaching out to his superiors about his deteriorating mental health, he was dismissed as having a “bad attitude” and was told to continue frontline duties. Shortly after, he attempted to take his own life.
Stories like his are echoed throughout the force, with many officers saying they are fearful of speaking publicly due to strict internal policies and the threat of reprisal.
Those who do come forward, often anonymously, say the toxic culture is driving mass resignations, with hundreds of officers choosing to leave or being forced out through medical discharge.
Alarming Workforce Shortages and Psychological Toll
As of August this year, the NSW Police Force reported 2,279 job vacancies and 1,362 officers on sick leave, marking a near 20% staffing shortfall.
The crisis has been further aggravated by recent changes to the superannuation insurance scheme, eliminating lump sum entitlements for officers retiring due to medical conditions.
These conditions are worsening morale across the force. One psychologist, who has treated more than 20 NSW officers in the past four years, described a “vindictive” culture that pits officers against one another for promotions.
She noted a pervasive system built on scapegoating, retaliation, and career sabotage.
“Still Such a Boys’ Club”: Culture of Nepotism and Revenge
Veteran officer Mel Cooper, who left the force after three decades, said her efforts to call out misconduct were met with internal sabotage and retaliatory complaints. “It’s not what you know—it’s who you know,” she said.
She described a toxic hierarchy that used career opportunities as both punishment and reward, adding, “Nepotism is the worst I’ve ever seen it.”
By the time she resigned, Cooper’s mental health had deteriorated to the point where just seeing a former colleague’s name on her phone would trigger panic.
She said the culture of ignoring or marginalising officers with PTSD left many, including herself, without meaningful support.
A Tragic Turning Point: Leadership’s Failure on PTSD
The suicide of a colleague suffering from PTSD marked a defining moment for Cooper. Despite her attempts to advocate for the officer, she says she was explicitly told not to intervene.
“When I was told to butt out and then she took her own life… I couldn’t work for an organisation like that anymore,” she said.On the day she handed in her resignation, Cooper returned home from a traumatic case, covered in blood.
Her children’s reaction made her realise just how normalised her suffering had become.
Breach of Confidentiality After Retirement
Even in retirement, the trauma didn’t end. Cooper organised a farewell event for medically retired officers, only to find NSW Police had publicly disclosed private medical details in a force-wide newsletter.
“They revealed our psychological injuries to the entire force. I was livid. Everyone was angry.”
Calls for Systemic Reform and Officer Welfare
Cooper and others are now calling for urgent reform, including the establishment of a dedicated welfare command, overhaul of promotions and complaints systems, and robust mental health support for serving and retired officers.
“If you can’t look after the police, how are they meant to look after the public?” she asked.
NSW Police Response
In response to ABC’s investigation, NSW Police declined to comment on individual cases, but issued a statement from Acting Deputy Commissioner Dean Smith, asserting that the organisation “does not tolerate bullying and harassment” and remains committed to officer support and wellbeing.
The force also highlighted the recent creation of a standalone Health, Safety and Wellbeing Command, which aims to implement evidence-based support strategies and promote safe reporting mechanisms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the main cultural issues reported within the NSW Police Force?
Current and former officers have highlighted systemic bullying, nepotism, sexism, and a lack of mental health support, particularly for those experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These cultural problems are reportedly causing significant distress and high attrition rates among officers.
How widespread are these concerns among NSW Police personnel?
ABC News spoke to over a dozen current and former officers who shared strikingly similar accounts. The consistency across their experiences suggests these issues are systemic, not isolated incidents.
What mental health challenges are officers facing?
Many officers have reported severe psychological distress, often resulting from traumatic work experiences. Some have stated that requests for help were dismissed or mischaracterized as “bad attitudes,” leading in at least one case to a suicide attempt. Officers with PTSD often feel stigmatized or treated as liabilities.
Are NSW Police officers allowed to speak publicly about their experiences?
No. Serving officers are subject to strict internal policies that prevent them from speaking publicly about workplace issues. As a result, many who shared their stories did so anonymously, fearing retaliation.
What are the staffing challenges facing NSW Police?
As of August, there were 2,279 job vacancies and 1,362 officers on sick leave—a total shortfall of nearly 20%. This significant gap is straining the force’s capacity and morale.
Conclusion
The NSW Police Force is confronting a pivotal moment in its history—one where long-standing cultural issues can no longer be overlooked. Allegations of bullying, nepotism, mental health neglect, and systemic sexism paint a troubling picture of a workplace that is meant to protect the public but is reportedly failing to protect its own.
