Victorian police officer Sally Fairweather denied promotion for wearing jewellery in TV interview

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How this TV interview led to the hero cop who saved two men and an 8-year-old boy from drowning losing out on a promotion

  • Vic police Sally Fairweather rescued three people in the water last year
  • She was interviewed on television several times about the rescue and safety in the water.
  • She was punched in the back by police for a promotion while wearing earrings on TV

A heroic police officer who saved three people from drowning has been denied promotion because she wore earrings during several TV interviews, prompting the prime minister to call on police to use “common sense”.

Senior Police Constable Sally Fairweather was driving past Pykes Creek Reservoir, west of Melbourne, when she saw three people in distress in the water on December 11.

The two men and an eight-year-old boy had fallen off a jet ski and were wearing life jackets but could not swim.

Agent Fairweather, who was an Acting Sergeant at the time, jumped into the cold water in her uniform and swam more than 250 meters to rescue the trio and managed to get them back to land using the jet ski.

His valiant efforts led to several television interviews in which the Victoria Police media unit lobbied for Constable Fairweather to speak about water safety.

Lead Agent Sally Fairweather (pictured) was reportedly turned down for a promotion due to the fact that she wore earrings for a series of TV interviews.

Lead Agent Sally Fairweather (pictured) was reportedly turned down for a promotion due to the fact that she wore earrings for a series of TV interviews.

But the agent’s hopes of a permanent promotion in the force were dashed after the rescue due to the fact that she wore earrings on television.

Victoria Police confirmed that officers were not allowed to wear earrings and that Constable Fairweather had been upgraded from Acting Sergeant to her current rank.

“All Victorian Police Officers and PSOs are expected to meet uniform and appearance standards,” a statement read.

“The Victoria Police Manual clearly states that officers may not wear earrings of any kind while on duty.”

Victoria Police added that “without a doubt” Constable Fairweather had “performed a heroic act in rescuing the water skiers at Pykes Creek Reservoir”.

“However, it is important that members maintain uniform standards at all times and it is not uncommon to have a conversation with someone if they do not comply with the policy,” the statement concluded.

Officer Fairweather rescued two men and an eight-year-old boy who fell off a jet ski and couldn't swim at Pykes Creek Reservoir last month.

Officer Fairweather rescued two men and an eight-year-old boy who fell off a jet ski and couldn’t swim at Pykes Creek Reservoir last month.

Their valiant efforts spawned several television interviews in which Officer Fairweather (right) discussed rescue and water safety.

Their valiant efforts spawned several television interviews in which Officer Fairweather (right) discussed rescue and water safety.

The response was met with criticism from the Victorian Prime Minister, Daniel Andrews, who forcefully urged them to use “common sense” in their decision.

“That officer is an absolute hero and I want to thank him,” he said.

“I hope common sense prevails here and the only consideration there is the excellent quality of your service, your courage and your commitment to keeping Victorians safe.”

It also prompted a response from former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon on 3AW radio.

“I’m a little surprised by that,” she told the station.

‘I can’t understand why earrings can make such a big difference in someone’s future promotion.’

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews (pictured) has urged the police force to use the

Victorian Prime Minister Daniel Andrews (pictured) has urged the police force to use “common sense”.

Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon (pictured) told 3AW radio she could not

Former Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon (pictured) told 3AW radio she couldn’t “figure out why earrings could make such a difference to someone’s future promotion.”

Some of Agent Fairweather’s colleagues criticized the decision to knock her out.

An anonymous police officer described it as “pedantic nonsense” when herald sun.

Another said: ‘No wonder we can’t find members.’

Victoria Police have been struggling to get new recruits and keep officers from leaving in recent years.

Nearly one in nine officers resigned or retired from the force between 2019 and last July.