WA police officer on final warning after explicit patch worn at arrest
Officer Lachlan Costello was disciplined for wearing an explicit patch while arresting a teenager and turning off his body camera.
Constable Lachlan Costello wore an offensive patch on his uniform while arresting a 16-year-old in Geraldton in September 2024. He also turned off his body-worn camera during the arrest, which breaks police policy.
The ABC revealed the incident this week, prompting swift criticism from Police Minister Reece Whitby. WA Police Commissioner Col Blanch said Costello is "very lucky to have his job".
The officer has been held at rank as a penalty. The patch was understood as a rugby term.
He remains a serving officer. "If he does one thing wrong he will lose his job," Blanch said.
- Constable Lachlan Costello
- Officer
- Geraldton
- Arrest location
- September 2024
- Incident date
- 16 years old
- Arrested person age
Why it mattersPolice conduct and accountability directly affect public trust and how officers treat people in their care.
AustraliaThis case reflects standards of police professionalism in Western Australia and raises questions about officer discipline and body camera policies.
