'Cops won't report wrongdoing'

A SIGNIFICANT proportion of police were unlikely to speak up if they were aware of wrongdoing.

The conclusion has been reached by an Office of Police Integrity report tabled in State Parliament today.
But the OPI has found that the situation has improved over recent years.
The report reveals that:
AN officer hid a colleagues “day book” during an OPI raid on a station
TWO police were convicted this year of lying to the OPI in a bid to protect colleagues
ABOUT half of all OPI investigations were hindered by uncooperative police

Victims to be given more say on punishment
OPI acting director Ron Bonighton has described the willingness of some police to turn a blind eye as “misguided loyalty”
“OPI investigations indicate a significant proportion of police are prepared to speak up when workplace wrongdoing occurs,” the report says.
“Representatives of Victoria Police say the negative culture that denigrates police who report wrongdoing in the workplace has reduced over time.”
This suggests “some very negative perceptions of police culture might be unfair or outdated”.
The OPI has called on the Baillieu Government to consider the report in the “further development” of its anti-corruption legislation.
It also called on the Victoria Police to strengthen its protections for police who report wrongdoing by colleagues.
In response, deputy commissioner Graham Ashton said that Victoria Police’s internal witness support unit was addressing the issues raised.

news.com.au 20 Jun 2012