WA cop who drowned at Trigg Beach identified as First Class Constable Cassandra Chapman

The police officer who tragically drowned while scuba diving at a popular Perth beach has been identified as a respected cop who once put her career on the line when she came to a woman’s aid during a violent arrest by a senior colleague.

First Class Constable Cassandra Chapman was off-duty on Tuesday morning diving with a friend at Mettams Pool when she is understood to have come into trouble in the water.

Responding to reports from concerned beachgoers, the RAC Rescue helicopter, St John WA paramedics, water police and surf lifesavers all descended on the Trigg area before Const Chapman was pulled from the water.

However, despite efforts to revive her, the officer died at the scene.

The respected officer, aged in her 40s, was involved in a high-profile trial last year after her superior First Class Constable Alister Swift was charged with assault for dragging and kicking a woman during an unlawful arrest.

During the 2020 incident at a Cloverdale home, Const. Chapman called out her colleague’s behaviour, asking him, “What are you doing?” and telling him that he was “out of line” for his behaviour during the incident.

The pair had been called to the home amid reports of a domestic violence incident.

Swift then kicked the woman and reprimanded Const. Chapman, saying, “Do as I say, I am your superior”.

During his sentencing hearing in November last year, Judge Mara Barone praised Const. Chapman for putting her career on the line to testify against her colleague, saying she had upheld society’s expectations of how a police officer should behave.

Swift, who was charged when Const. Chapman complained, was sentenced to two years in jail after being found guilty by a jury of assault occasioning bodily harm and deprivation of liberty.

Const. Chapman’s death this week led to an immediate outpouring of support from friends and colleagues, with online tributes labelling her a “dear friend”, “treasured colleague” and a “first class person”.

“I will forever hold close the memories of our time together,” one person wrote.

“Your kindness, laughter and presence brought light to our days.

“Rest in peace, and may your soul find eternal peace and love.”

Another friend declared “our hearts are breaking” at the news.

In a statement, a WA Police spokesman said support would be provided to those impacted by the tragedy.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are extended to her family and colleagues,” the spokesman said.

“Attending to life and death situations is a daily reality for first responders but incidents involving one of our own are especially difficult for our officers.”

The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death are not being treated as suspicious.