The ‘ridiculous’ reason a hero police officer was knocked back for a promotion

Former top cop Christine Nixon says Victoria Police needs to reflect on whether it is meeting community expectations and standards after it was revealed a hero police officer was denied promotion because of her earrings.

Leading senior constable Sally Fairweather, who saved three people from drowning, was knocked back for a promotion after she was reprimanded for wearing earrings during media interviews about her heroics.

Press PLAY below to hear the issue discussed

At the time, she’d been Acting Sergeant for the Ballan district and was hopeful of a permanent promotion, but was told the earrings didn’t meet the force’s strict uniform requirements.

Christine Nixon says when she ran the force she eased what seemed unfair rules.

“I can’t quite figure out why earrings might make such a difference to somebody’s future promotion,” she told 3AW.