Police conduct questioned after officer wore obscene uniform patch

Footage from a 2024 arrest in Geraldton has raised concerns about a Western Australian police officer's conduct. The officer wore a patch bearing an obscene phrase while detaining a 16-year-old and turned off his body-worn camera during questioning.

Video from another officer's camera also recorded part of the interaction. Lawyers for the Aboriginal Legal Service said an uncensored recording included an admission that the teenager had been offered bail in exchange for information. They criticised both the alleged inducement and the decision to mute part of the released audio.

Western Australia Police said its internal affairs unit had investigated. The officer received a managerial notice for the patch, offering bail, questioning without notifying a responsible adult and breaching camera-use policy. Police described him as well regarded by local young people and said the phrase was used in sport.

The legal service argued the behaviour was unacceptable and questioned whether the response was sufficient. The teenager later pleaded guilty to possessing unlawfully obtained property. That outcome is separate from the concerns about how police conducted the arrest and questioning. The report does not describe a criminal conviction against the officer.