Resources

Bullying in Policing

Definition of workplace bullying by Tim Field Those who can, do. Those who can't, bully.

"Bullying is a compulsive need to displace aggression and is achieved by the expression of inadequacy (social, personal, interpersonal, behavioural, professional) by projection of that inadequacy onto others through control and subjugation (criticism, exclusion, isolation etc). Bullying is sustained by abdication of responsibility (denial, counter-accusation, pretence of victimhood) and perpetuated by a climate of fear, ignorance, indifference, silence, denial, disbelief, deception, evasion of accountability, tolerance and reward (eg promotion) for the bully." Tim Field, 1999

You might also want to read What is bullying? and learn about Bullying tactics used

Although bullying in the workplace is slowly being recognized, information pertaining specifically to bullying within the law enforcement field is rare. Police officers who are targets of bullying know it as malicious prosecution when they are forced to defend themselves aginst baseless charges. Does it happen? What if it does?

The following officers filed a statement of claim against their employers and/or chiefs of police, and/or fellow officers and/or Associations.