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Protecting the force’s reputation is a narrative created by the police. It is often a convenient story told by police leadership. It frames misconduct as if the institution itself is being defended, rather than individuals protecting themselves, their friends, or their careers. In practice:

• It shifts blame away from leaders. Saying “we must protect the force” makes corruption or cover-ups seem like a duty, not a personal choice.

• It hides self-interest. Most of the time, people are shielding themselves or their close colleagues, not some abstract “force.”

• It reinforces fear. Rank-and-file officers are told that speaking out hurts the organisation, which discourages whistleblowing, even when the real risk is personal career damage.

• It obscures accountability. By presenting it as institutional protection, leaders can claim they’re acting for the greater good, when actually they’re avoiding scrutiny.

So, while it can sound like a noble justification, the evidence—like Casey and other investigations—points to it being a narrative to normalise self-protection and silence, rather than a true effort to safeguard public service or the police institution.