Former NSW Police officers who blew the whistle on the toxic culture within the force have welcomed an independent report “validating” their experiences.
The culture review, conducted by former Victorian human rights commissioner Kristen Hilton and her team, was released on Thursday and found there were “unacceptable levels” of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment within NSW Police.
Warning: This story contains confronting details and images.
It was launched more than a year ago in response to an ABC News investigation that uncovered widespread allegations of a toxic and dangerous culture within the ranks.
Former senior sergeant Mel Cooper became the face of the ABC News investigation in late 2024 when she allowed the publishing of an image of herself handcuffed to a desk by colleagues as a young officer.
She spoke of a “boys’ club” culture where sexual harassment and discrimination were normalised and bullying was rife.
She was interviewed by Ms Hilton personally during the review and said she felt “she really got it”.
Ms Cooper said the findings made her feel “validated”.
Ms Cooper, a former senior sergeant, was handcuffed and photographed by male officers in 1994. (Supplied)
“I have had more of a voice and more scope to get my point across since leaving the police than I ever had while I was there, and that is not OK,” she said.
“I wish I could’ve stayed and made it a better place, but I’m glad I’ve finally been heard and I do feel validated.
“She [Ms Hilton] absolutely nailed it.”
Kristen Hilton and Mal Lanyon spoke with ABC News ahead of the report’s release. (ABC News: Greg Bigelow)
‘A long road’ but ‘a good start’
Ms Cooper said she was “hopeful” it would lead to significant change, but it was dependent on the force’s commitment to implementing the recommendations.
“There’s nothing in there that’s unrealistic or unnecessary, so if they’re committed to truly making police safer for its members, then they will implement them,” she said.
“They’ve invested the money and they’ve done this review … I know their hands were sort of forced by us, but follow it through now.
“Look after your police and then they can do their job and look after the community — that’s what I’ve said all along.“
Another former senior officer, who did not want to be identified, spoke to ABC News as part of the investigation about his experience as a gay man in the force.
The anonymised officer spoke to ABC News as part of the investigation about his experience as a gay man on the force. (ABC News: Keana Naughton)
He said he experienced the toxic and discriminatory culture firsthand throughout his 20-year career and was now “optimistic” things may finally change.
He too said he felt “validated”.
“It’s good that they stepped up and didn’t deny anything. I think they’re doing all they can at the moment,” he said.
“They have to change not only the culture but also the reporting system to make it safer to come forward. That was one of the biggest issues.
“It’ll be a long road, but that’s a good start.”
He said he had since started a new job in a different NSW government department after leaving the force, which has further highlighted “how far police are behind”.
“There’s no discrimination, females get promoted just as quickly as males, homophobia is a thing of the past, like it should be in 2026,” he said.
“They’ve got a long way to go … it’s still such a boys’ club.”
Another officer says they are “cautiously hopeful” of change. (ABC News: Abubakr Sajid)
Another former officer who participated in the review, who did not want to be identified, said she was “cautiously hopeful”.
“I think it is very encouraging that Commissioner Mal Lanyon has vowed to overhaul the troubled culture, and I hope he follows through,” she said.
“There is a long and difficult road ahead, given how deeply entrenched the issues are.
“It is reassuring that Commissioner Lanyon has accepted all of the recommendations.”
Review results a ‘let-down’, says ex-officer
Steve Bartholomew wishes the review had addressed the issue of racial profiling. (ABC News: Keana Naughton)
Former officer and Gomeroi man Steve Bartholomew, who also spoke to ABC News as part of the toxic culture series, said he was “satisfied” the report had addressed the stigma and lack of support around mental health on the force.
But Mr Bartholomew said he was disappointed that the racism he experienced on the force, which he told them about during the review, was “watered down” in the findings.
“It’s a bit of a let-down … it only mentions discrimination,” he said.
“They haven’t even touched on what they plan on doing about racial profiling … or how they work in Aboriginal communities.”
Mr Bartholomew said he had hoped the report and recommendations would specifically address the treatment of Aboriginal officers and how police interact with Aboriginal people in the community.
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