WA police annual report reveals 60 per cent rise in staff hit with criminal charges over past year

Dozens of police officers and staff were hit with criminal charges last financial year, a report tabled in Parliament this week has revealed.

According to the latest WA Police annual report, 26 sworn officers had faced criminal charges in the 2024-25 financial year, up from 16 in the year prior.

There was also three police staff or auxiliary officers facing charges, down from six.

A police spokesperson said the organisation took misconduct seriously, but did not reveal what charges were laid.

“In the past two years, the Western Australia Police Force has grown to its highest number of officers on record, and the highest standards of behaviour are expected of the more than 7000 police officers who serve the community of Western Australia,” they said.

“Any breaches of our code of conduct are treated seriously and thoroughly investigated, with real time oversight by the Corruption and Crime Commission.

“Police officers are subject to the same laws as anyone else in our community, and if a criminal offence is identified, they are subject to the same criminal prosecution as anyone else in the community.”

The report also revealed there had been 51 employees referred for loss of confidence and 23 referred for discipline under police regulations.

There was also 202 verbal guidances given over the financial year and 109 employees were imposed by a managerial notice.

The report also revealed a slight decrease in public confidence in police, with the percentage of people who either agreed or strongly agreed they had confidence in police at just 68.2 per cent.

The figure is a slight reduction from last years number of 68.4 per cent and significantly lower than the 85 per cent target.

The proportion of people who were either satisfied or very satisfied with the service received during their most recent contact with police was higher however at 75.9 per cent.

The number was still below the 82 per cent target but slightly higher than the year before by 0.9 per cent.