A Victorian policeman didn't think the investigation of a potential assault and armed burglary was worthy of his time because the victim wasn't co-operating with him.
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Samuel James Miller faked documents from the victim, claiming she wanted to withdraw her complaint.
When the 36-year-old Bendigo detective was arrested in 2018, he said it was the only time he'd done it, but an internal investigation found it was actually the third.
In a previous case, he faked the statement of a 14-year-old assault victim to end the investigation.
He didn't believe the teen was being completely truthful about the incident and put in a report that the incident was "most likely a disputed drug transaction".
County Court Judge Phillip Coish on Wednesday ordered Miller to complete 100 hours of community work after he admitted three charges of misconduct in public office.
An officer since 2006, he said he believed the process for ending investigations was cumbersome and that he was trying to save time for his colleagues.
"It's just stupidity," he told a psychologist of the reason for his offending.
"I just want to save my colleagues some time."
He had believed the victims in all three cases were uncooperative, and in one case aggressive.
Judge Coish said he understood Miller had been frustrated, but his actions were a gross breach of trust and the fundamental duties owed by police.
"You have effectively set yourself up as investigator, judge and jury," he said.
Miller had been suspended without pay but will now lose his job with Victoria Police.
Australian Associated Press
