A former police officer, Matthew Cocks, who had dedicated over 30 years to his career in the Victoria Police force, reached a confidential settlement after alleging forced resignation due to bullying by his superiors. The case was resolved just days before it was set to go to trial. In a statement of claim, Victoria Police was accused of 26 breaches of duty of care, including making Mr. Cocks work excessive hours and then criticizing his performance. As a Detective Sergeant, he claimed he faced humiliation, harassment, and micro-management by two senior officers without any offered counseling.
His lawyer, Shalyn Mathew, from Arnold Thomas & Becker, highlighted that the culture of bullying at Victoria Police seemed to be prevalent, with the firm currently pursuing at least 20 similar cases. Mr. Cocks took sick leave due to the increasing pressure and lack of support he experienced, only to be placed on administrative duties upon his return. Despite feeling abandoned by the force, he expressed relief at closing this chapter and focusing on his family and travel.
The settlement with Mr. Cocks shed light on a broader issue within the emergency services sector, as a survey revealed that 60% of those bullied at work pointed to managers or supervisors as the perpetrators. The low satisfaction rate in handling complaints and fear of negative consequences for reporting bullying further underscored the challenges faced by personnel. The ongoing lack of support and bullying behavior at Victoria Police were cited as contributing factors to Mr. Cocks’s psychological injuries, leading to his inability to continue his employment.
Moreover, the Victoria Police force has been grappling with staff shortages, prompting some communities to hire private security due to reduced police presence. The state government’s commitment to recruit additional police officers has not fully addressed the gap, with numbers falling short of the target. The combination of post-Covid resignations and mental health injuries among officers has further strained the force, impacting its ability to address public safety concerns effectively.
In conclusion, Mr. Cocks’s case highlights the importance of addressing workplace bullying and ensuring adequate support for personnel in the emergency services sector. The need for a cultural shift within Victoria Police and other organizations to foster a safe and supportive work environment is crucial to prevent similar incidents in the future.
