Police officer wore explicit patch on uniform during teen's arrest

A Geraldton police officer displayed a patch emblazoned with the phrase "FOLD C**TS" on his uniform while arresting a 16-year-old teenager in September 2024. Constable Lachlan Costello, who is known and respected by local youth for his involvement in sports, turned off his body-worn camera during the arrest. The police claim that "FOLD" is a common term referring to hitting someone forcefully, and also relates to a banned restraint used by youth detention officers in Western Australia.

Footage from multiple body-worn cameras shows Constable Costello handcuffing the teenager, transporting him to a car for questioning, and later gesturing to another officer to follow him. In an uncensored recording, Constable Costello admits offering the teenager bail in exchange for information, which is prohibited. The arrested youth was found with $10,000 in cash and cannabis, later pleading guilty to possessing unlawfully obtained property.

Constable Costello has been served a managerial notice for his conduct, which includes wearing the patch while arresting the teenager, offering bail, questioning the youth without notifying a responsible adult, and breaching body-worn camera use policy. Police have investigated Costello and imposed a managerial sanction, but critics argue that his actions demonstrate a severe disregard for his responsibilities as a police officer.