{
  "id": 19432316,
  "title": "Police officer who wore obscene patch lucky to keep job, commissioner says",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/11/11/police-officer-who-wore-obscene-patch-lucky-to-keep-job-commissioner",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-11-11T02:17:02.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-11/col-blanch-says-officer-who-wore-explicit-patch-lucky-have-job/107372624"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The WA police commissioner expressed relief that a Constable who wore an offensive patch on his uniform is still employed. The ABC reported on an incident in September 2024 where Constable Lachlan Costello displayed the phrase \"FOLD C**TS\" on his vest while arresting a 16-year-old in Geraldton. This prompted Police Minister Reece Whitby to demand an explanation from the commissioner. Commissioner Col Blanch stated that the conduct was inappropriate and would not be tolerated. Costello was placed on administrative leave as part of a disciplinary action, which also included turning off his body-worn camera against policy. The commissioner acknowledged that Costello, who is also a sporting coach, may have been unaware of the offensive nature of the term, but emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable for a police officer. The commissioner rejected claims by the Aboriginal Legal Service that this was a common occurrence, but promised to investigate further if evidence surfaced.",
  "summary": "The WA Police Commissioner says an officer caught with a \"despicable\" patch on his uniform is \"very lucky to have his job\".",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}