Adelaide: South Australian junior cop causes a stir in the police force after it was revealed they dress as a 'furry' and identify as a cat outside of work
- Sources found young cop identifies as a cat
- SAPOL were unaware anyone identified as a 'furry'
- READ MORE: Ex-cop killed in horrific smash inside major city tunnel was driving Audi 'faster than 200km/h' as witness details the moments before tragedy
A junior cop has has raised eyebrows among police colleagues by being part of the 'furry' subculture and identifying as a cat outside of work.
The officer, reportedly in their late 20s, is based at an Adelaide station and other police became aware earlier this year of their unconventional personal identity.
The South Australian cop, who is not being named, enjoys being a 'furry' when off-duty, reported The Advertiser.
'Furries' are people who identify with animals, have an interest in anthropomorphism, and often dress up in costumes to adopt what they call their 'fursonas'.
It is understood that the officer associates as a cat when in furry mode.
A junior cop has caused a stir in the police force after it's revealed they 'identify as a cat' outside of work
Sources revealed that the young officer's lifestyle caused a stir, but senior cops and bosses were unaware.
SA Police said the identity of this officer was not disclosed, but would not diminish their ability to do the job.
'(SA Police) aims to ensure our workplace is inclusive and safe for all employees,' a SAPOL spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia.
'Individuals are given the opportunity to disclose how they wish to be identified at any given time.
'(SA Police) is not aware of anyone who identifies as a 'furry'.'
According to the website Furscience, furries tend to be teens and young adults but some are in their 70s and 80s.
'Furries' are a subculture of people who identify with animals, often dressing up in costumes as part of what they call their 'fursonas'
Sharon Roberts, an associate professor and expert in the field, equates being in the furry community is no different to being a football fan - a personal interest which draws like-minded people together.
'Depending on the study, we find more than 70 per cent of furries identify as LGBTQ+ and more than 25 per cent are gender-identity diverse,' Ms Roberts told The Conversation.
'Furries are bullied at almost twice the rates of non-furries, and our forthcoming research indicates that four to 15 per cent are on the autism spectrum.'
Daily Mail Australia also contacted South Australia's Police Minister Dan Cregan for comment.