Assistant Commissioner Gailene Hamilton stood down days after promotion amid internal investigation

A WA Police rising star has been marched off the job just days after being promoted to one of the force’s highest ranks. Assistant Commissioner Gailene Hamilton was stood down from duty this month after she was accused of inappropriate behaviour with another officer. It is understood it relates to a friendship Ms Hamilton had with the more junior cop and the complaint was made after the relationship soured. The West Australian further understands the senior cop was promoted to the ranks of the top brass as an assistant commissioner within the past fortnight, just days before the complaint came to light. While WA Police would not comment on, “nor provide specific details surrounding active internal investigations”, a spokesman confirmed a senior officer was currently under investigation. “The officer was originally stood down from duty, however is currently on leave,” the spokesman said. “Advice of the investigation was reported to the Corruption and Crime Commission on 3 June 2025.” Assistant police commissioners are the third highest ranking officers in the force behind deputy commissioner and commissioner. They are usually responsible for a portfolio, which can include the metropolitan area, regional WA, or State crime, which takes in major crimes such as homicides. Ms Hamilton has previously served as the superintendent for the Pilbara district, as the officer-in-charge of Mundijong police station and as a detective in the cold case homicide squad. She also led the cold case review of the high-profile 1988 disappearance of Julie Cutler ahead of a coronial inquest in 2022.