More than 5,000 current and former staff contributed to the review through interviews, surveys, and submissions.

Context notes indicate standard site navigation and meta information accompany the report, with no new findings in that excerpt.

A landmark independent Cultural Review of the NSW Police Force finds widespread bullying, toxicity, harassment, and discrimination across ranks, with many officers describing a culture that deterred whistleblowing.

The report shows a culture of fear and retaliation that discourages speaking up, signaling systemic risk within the force.

Over the past five years, the review documents harmful workplace behaviours including bullying, verbal abuse, sexual harassment, and sexual assault affecting a broad mix of staff.

The article was updated on June 11, 2026, with the update time noted in the publication records.

Reforms under former leadership included pay rises, better complaint-reporting systems, mandatory reporting of misconduct, and protections for complainants, laying groundwork for ongoing reform under the new leadership.

Lead reviewer Kristen Hilton stresses that culture directly affects performance and calls for genuine, healthier, more inclusive, and transparent reform.

Support resources are available for those affected, with Lifeline and beyondblue listed for wellbeing and mental health support.

Police Minister emphasises that speaking up is crucial and frames reforms as an opportunity to reset and strengthen police culture, with government backing for the process.

Key recommendations include independent oversight, a two-year prevention strategy, treating harmful behaviours as psychosocial hazards, accountable leadership for culture, and more consistent, transparent promotions.

The review, commissioned in 2024 by then-Commissioner Karen Webb and led by Hilton, analyzed tens of thousands of responses from staff.