Experts say NSW Police has a major problem with domestic violence perpetrators in its ranks.

For too long, police have been investigating their close colleagues, meaning alleged abusers are not held accountable and victims' safety continues to be at risk, according to anti-violence advocates. 

Documents obtained under freedom of information suggest up to 16 NSW Police officers were charged with domestic violence offences last year. The offences ranged from breaching AVOs and reckless wounding, to assault occasioning actual bodily harm, choking, stalking, failing to ensure the safekeeping of a prohibited weapon, and perverting the course of justice.

No details were provided as to whether any have been found guilty or had convictions recorded. 

The 2020 data shows a rise in incidences compared to the two prior years. 

But there is concern that the actual number of police perpetrating domestic violence is much higher, assuming that police are less willing to take action against their own. News investigations have shown police in NSW and other states have a pattern of protecting abusers over the abused. 

“The number of police officers charged with domestic violence last year could be seen as both low and high,” says Kerrie Thompson, chief executive of the Victims of Crime Assistance League (VOCAL) in NSW. 

“We have many women contact us seeking help because their partner or ex-partner is violent and a serving police officer, so ... only 16 officers charged in one year seems very low. 

“On the other hand, it is our experience that police are often not charged with domestic violence and ... there is a reluctance to put protection in place for the victim,” she told the ABC.

Legal experts say NSW Police, like other Australian forces, has no specific policy for domestic violence among its members, and does not manage conflicts of interest in such matters adequately. 

“Police from the same police station must not conduct the investigation. In some cases, nor should police from the same police area command. There must be oversight mechanisms,” says Liz Snell, law reform and policy coordinator at Women's Legal Service NSW.

“There need to be clear processes [for victims] to safely report domestic violence perpetrated by a police officer that address conflict of interest issues and these policies need to be published.”

NSW Police has responded to media inquiries with an official statement that claims the force “takes all reported allegations of domestic violence seriously”.