WA cop kept job after wearing obscene patch and alleged misconduct

Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch stated Constable Lachlan Costello was lucky to retain his position despite disciplinary sanctions for two separate incidents involving a 16-year-old Aboriginal teenager in Geraldton. Internal investigations revealed the officer wore an obscenity-laden patch reading "FOLD C**TS" on his uniform during one arrest and allegedly turned off his body-worn camera shortly after handcuffing the teen, before making what was described as an obscene offer of bail to avoid a charge for burglary. While police officials noted that Costello remains well-regarded by local youth due to his role in community sports where "fold" is sometimes used colloquially regarding rough play, they confirmed he had been held at rank and subjected to education following the incident. A separate set of allegations detailed during a parliamentary committee hearing claimed Costello pinned the same teenager against the ground for approximately 30 seconds with significant force, prompting cries from the boy that his life was in danger due to lack of breathing space. Although these serious claims have triggered calls for immediate suspension and an explanation has been sought from the commissioner by Police Minister Reece Whitby, Constable Costello remains a serving officer under strict supervision.