An independent review into the culture of the New South Wales Police Force (NSWPF) has revealed disturbing levels of bullying, discrimination and sexual harassment, prompting renewed calls for sweeping reform within Australia's largest police organisation.
The report, commissioned in response to an earlier ABC investigation, found that harmful workplace behaviours were occurring at "unacceptable levels" and that many employees felt unsafe reporting misconduct due to fears of retaliation.
The review gathered evidence from thousands of current and former NSW Police employees, uncovering what investigators described as a deeply entrenched culture where speaking up could come at a significant personal and professional cost.
One officer told investigators that "bullying is as much a part of this organisation as wearing a uniform," while others described being isolated, overlooked for promotions or denied opportunities after raising concerns about inappropriate behaviour. Approximately 30 per cent of respondents reported experiencing bullying within the workplace.
The report also highlighted ongoing concerns about sexual harassment and discrimination, particularly affecting women and officers from diverse backgrounds. Although some participants acknowledged improvements over recent years, many said inappropriate comments, sexist attitudes and exclusionary practices remained widespread.
Investigators found that employees from First Nations communities, LGBTQ+ groups, culturally diverse backgrounds and those living with disabilities often faced additional barriers and unequal treatment within the organisation.
Importantly, many officers indicated that the emotional impact of workplace culture sometimes exceeded the trauma associated with frontline policing duties.
One participant explained that while officers are trained to manage difficult incidents encountered on the job, it was often the internal environment that ultimately drove colleagues away from the profession.
The review resulted in 29 recommendations aimed at improving workplace culture and strengthening accountability across the force. Proposed reforms include:
* A two-year prevention strategy targeting bullying, harassment and discrimination. * Improved leadership training and accountability measures. * Enhanced reporting systems to encourage employees to speak up safely. * More regular behavioural audits across commands. * Increased education around respectful workplace practices. * Stronger support mechanisms for employees experiencing psychological distress.
NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon accepted all recommendations contained within the report and acknowledged the seriousness of its findings.
"The review found there were harmful behaviours present in the NSW Police Force," Commissioner Lanyon said.
"I have made it clear to the workforce that is not the culture we will have in the NSW Police Force." He added that meaningful reform had already begun but recognised that significant work remained ahead.
NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley welcomed the willingness of officers and staff to participate in the review, stating that their contributions were essential in identifying areas requiring change.
The report represents one of the most comprehensive examinations of police workplace culture in recent years and arrives amid growing national conversations about mental health, leadership standards and accountability within emergency services.
While the findings paint a confronting picture of life inside parts of the organisation, investigators emphasised that the report also provides an opportunity for genuine reform.
Whether the recommendations lead to lasting change will depend largely on how effectively they are implemented over the coming years.
For many officers who shared their experiences, the hope is that future generations of police employees will work within an environment defined by support, respect and professionalism rather than fear and silence.
