More Victoria Police officers and staff are coming to Arnold Thomas & Becker for help with workplace injury claims, and many of their injuries didn’t start on the frontline. Police work means facing things most of us never will: death, violence, serious injury and human suffering, often repeatedly over a long career. That toll is real and well recognised. But the officers and staff we speak with describe something else too. For many, the harm was made worse, or even caused, by what happened inside the organisation: alleged bullying, harassment, a lack of support, or being put in conflict with their own employer for trying to do the right thing. Our clients include current and former sworn officers and Victoria Police staff. Their claims involve psychological and physical injuries from a wide range of causes, and many are entitled to compensation they don’t know about. One detective’s story Former Detective Sergeant Jacob Laidlaw says the harm that ended his career came less from the crimes he investigated than from people inside Victoria Police. Over many years, Jacob dealt with suicides, violent deaths and serious assaults on fellow officers. In April 2020 he was appointed Principal Investigator of the SALUS Taskforce, examining the death of a uniformed officer in November 2019. He says the investigation uncovered allegations that the officer had been bullied and sexually harassed by senior officers. Jacob, who is represented by Arnold Thomas & Becker Senior Associate Amila Destanovic, alleges that: his attempts to pursue a senior officer of interest were impeded confidential information about the investigation was disclosed inappropriately he came under pressure to abandon parts of the investigation, and was bullied while trying to do his job he was discouraged from giving evidence in court against a senior officer he had arrested, but refused because he believed he had a duty to give it “I felt forced into an impossible position: either ignore what I believed was serious wrongdoing or challenge it,” Jacob says. “The experience has been consistent, grinding and traumatising.” He has since been diagnosed with PTSD and Major Depressive Disorder, and has needed extensive treatment, including inpatient care. He says the effects reach well beyond the loss of his career, into his sleep, relationships, family life, confidence and sense of who he is. Asked what he would tell another officer who is struggling, Jacob’s advice is practical: seek guidance from someone you trust who understands the organisation and has no stake in the outcome, and document everything carefully. Victoria Police has confirmed that a former Detective Sergeant from Professional Standards has started civil action. It said it could not comment on the specific allegations while the matter is before the courts, and that it has referred his complaints about the handling of the related investigations to IBAC for review. Women are over-represented in police claims Almost 40% of the Victoria Police claims we handle involve women, even though women make up around 29% of Victoria Police officers. A number of these matters involve allegations of sexual harassment, bullying, inappropriate workplace behaviour or other gender-related conduct. The concern isn’t new: Victoria Police’s own Equal, Safe and Strong Gender Equality Action Plan 2022–2024 reported that 10% of women in the organisation had experienced sexual harassment in a 12-month period. “These women have chosen careers dedicated to protecting the community,” says Amila Destanovic. “They should be able to perform that work without also having to contend with inappropriate behaviour, harassment or victimisation within their own workplace.” Policing’s rank-based structure can make speaking up harder. People may worry about what a complaint could mean for their reputation, promotion prospects, working relationships or future in the force. Injured at work? What officers and staff can claim If you’ve been injured working for Victoria Police, whether as a sworn officer or a staff member, you may be entitled to compensation for a physical or psychological injury. The claims we’re running involve injuries caused by: exposure to traumatic incidents workplace violence physical injuries sustained on operational duty alleged bullying and harassment, including sexual harassment the cumulative psychological toll of years of policing Physical injuries can be just as life-changing. “For some officers, the original injury is only the beginning,” says Amila. “They may face lengthy recovery periods, uncertainty about whether they can return to operational policing, and difficult workplace, medical, disciplinary or compensation processes at a time when they are already vulnerable.” Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to claim: weekly payments to help replace lost income while you recover medical and like expenses, including treatment, therapy and rehabilitation a lump sum for permanent physical or psychological impairment common law damages where a serious injury was caused by negligence What needs to change Arnold Thomas & Becker is calling for continued scrutiny of how injured police officers and staff are treated, including: how effective internal complaint mechanisms are protections for people who report inappropriate conduct the support provided during recovery, return to work and the compensation process Jacob Laidlaw wants to go further, with an independent police ombudsman that has the powers and resources to investigate serious allegations without conflicts of interest. “Most importantly, concerns need to be treated with respect and urgency when they are first raised,” he says. “Had that happened in my case, I believe much of the harm that followed could have been avoided.” Talk to us in confidence If you’re a current or former Victoria Police officer or staff member and you’ve been injured at work, physically or psychologically, our team can explain your options and what you may be able to claim. Call Arnold Thomas & Becker on 1300 333 300 for a free, confidential conversation, or click the link to our confidential webform below. Victoria Police Injury, Bullying & Harassment Lawyers | Arnold Thomas & Becker If this article has raised concerns for you, support is available 24/7 from Lifeline on 13 11 14, or from Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.