The police must know when to use their power – and when not to

We give the police wide ranging powers so they can catch criminals. We give them the power to strip away our rights and our freedoms. And that is OK when it is used against a criminal. But what is not OK is when the police weaponize their powers to abuse innocent members of the public.

 

 

Senior officers are often the most corrupt

There are many fine frontline police officers who serve the community with distinction, but there are also many unscrupulous officers who weaponize their power to bully and abuse innocent members of the public.

 

Sadly, it is the senior officers who are often the most corrupt, and they are so brazen about it. They seem to think the rules do not apply to them, that they are above the law – but they are not.

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Senior officers set the standards

Whenever a police officer crosses the line, it is the senior officers’ job to hold them to account. Since they set the standards, there must be serious consequences when they ignore, excuse, or cover up misconduct.

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If senior officers did not cover up misconduct, then junior officers would be much less likely to abuse or bully innocent members of the public. That is something worth standing up for, it would have a positive benefit to every police force right across Australia.

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Senior officers do cover up police misconduct

Justice Matters has gathered documented evidence against more than 20 of the most senior NSW Police Officers, all the way up to the Commissioner’s Office, who used threats, false pretenses and other duplicitous tactics to cover up police misconduct.   More >

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It is concerning to think there would be just one senior officer who is prepared to cover up misconduct, it is staggering to find out that it is so widespread. The most troubling thing is that they are so brazen about it, they seem to think they are untouchable, that they are somehow above the law - but they are not.

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Senior officers must be held accountable

Consider this, if senior officers knew they faced instant dismissal and criminal prosecution for any cover up, no matter how minor the incident they covered up, then it is highly unlikely they would do it.

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And if senior officers did not cover up misconduct, then junior officers would be much less likely to abuse or bully innocent members of the public. That is something worth standing up for, it would have a positive benefit to every police force right across Australia.

 

 

Increased authority must also come with greater consequences

As police forces are given more powers to combat crime there must also be greater consequences for officers who abuse their authority. Any officer who is unable to execute their duty without victimizing or abusing innocent members of the public must be held accountable.