The Law of the Jungle

Posted: Sat Sep 15, 2007 6:33 pm Post subject: The Law of the Jungle

Many Victorian Police Officers, need to take a long hard look at themselves; particularly their inability to retain a confidence.

The public is constantly bombarded with the description of professional police officers doing a difficult job under trying circumstances. Generally this is true, but these same 'professionals' also have the propensity to throw the rule book out the window when it comes to playing the game of 'first to tell'.

A big part of police culture absolutely thrives on constant rumor, gossip and innuendo within its own ranks. Many sworn members never miss an opportunity to drop a word to trusted journalists, their friends or anyone else who will listen, because it feeds their own ego, and makes them feel important. This often applies to people they are working with who are in trouble with the department.

There is a rush to spread the word as soon as it is discovered a fellow officer has stumbled. The little known facts are embellished, drama is added to the circumstances, with little or no feeling of remorse for their colleague who is in trouble. When rumours are repeated, and colour added to a story, facts are thin on the ground and truth becomes the first casualty.

The press of course, are only too happy to benefit from this lamentable situation as it makes life easier for them, saves time on research, and they can always quote a 'reliable police source'. Not a bad outcome from a police department who are restricted from talking to the press.

It appears the Victoria Police Department has been infected with a type of 'hyena mentality'. This group of viscious dog-like creatures lope along in a pack until one of its own stumbles or collapses from injury or exhaustion then immediately the whole group turn on this unfortunate individual and rip him to bits before continuing on their way.
Just how you bring about a culture change within an organisation like Victoria Police is a real dilemma.

When this despicable conduct occurs, most members are just relieved its happening to someone else and not to them. They turn a blind eye towards their fellow officer and abandon him to his fate. The police brotherhood syndrome becomes a misnomer and nobody wants to know you when you are in trouble. This is a disgraceful form of behaviour from so called professionals and it is unacceptable under any circumstances.

If you question the veracity of this former statement - JUST WAIT TILL YOU ARE IN TROUBLE!!!!

Posted: Wed Sep 19, 2007 12:30 am Post subject: Re: The Law of the Jungle

I'm not a police member but I have friends who are.... Rumpole's comments sound about right and if they are it's a sad reflection on the state of policing in Victoria. Thanks for your thoughts on that Rumpole.

Keep up the good work....