ABC Digital News-Current and former Tasmania Police officers among those investigated over child sex abuse allegations

Adam Holmes | ABC NEWS – Digital Online | 19 March 2024

Current and former Tasmania Police officers among those investigated over child sex abuse allegations

New data released by Tasmania Police shows it has investigated 22 child sexual abuse complaints against police officers over a 22-year period, 14 of which involved officers who were serving at the time.

The organisation proactively released the data on Tuesday as part of its ongoing response to the commission of inquiry into child sexual abuse in institutional settings.

Of the 22 matters, eight involved members who are currently serving — three of which were investigated, and dismissed, by police without referral to the Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

The DPP chose not to proceed with a further four, and another was a misidentification.

Police investigated a total of six matters without referring them to the DPP, due to insufficient evidence, false complaint, or the victim withdrew.

From 2000 to 2022, four police officers were guilty of child sexual offences — all committed while serving.

They include aggravated sexual assault, indecent assault and sexual intercourse with a young person committed more than 20 years ago.

None of the four remain in the force.

Two other matters were referred to the DPP involving allegations against officers before they joined the force — one was discontinued, and the other was discharged before trial. Neither is currently serving.

A Tasmania Police spokesperson said police had since reviewed each of the 22 matters.

“Each complaint or information received has been thorough reviewed post commission of inquiry,” they said.

The spokesperson said the release of the data was a proactive disclosure, rather than a requirement of the commission of inquiry.

Tasmania Police Deputy Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said the police wanted to be transparent.

Fifteen resulted in breaches.

In one matter — raised internally — an officer was found to have committed nine breaches, including multiple counts of failing to behave with honesty and integrity, and omitting to provide information.

The officer was taken off higher duties and was given verbal counselling.

Another officer failed to use police resources properly and omitted to provide information. They were stood down, and ultimately resigned.

A complaint brought by a member of the public was upheld in relation to an officer providing a false or misleading statement.

Tasmania Police also investigated five complaints against officers that were ultimately dismissed without a referral to the DPP.

These included allegations of assault and indecent assault.

A further two assault complaints were referred to the DPP, which decided against prosecution.

Police Commissioner Donna Adams said the number of complaints made internally by police officers showed that they wanted to hold the force to account.

“In 2023, 29 per cent of matters were raised internally by our own police officers.

“This reflects the importance of holding ourselves and our colleagues accountable for behaving in line with our values.”

One officer was guilty of drink driving, and another received an infringement notice for a traffic offence.

Internal investigations continue to cause concern

Investigations into police conduct continue to be handled internally by Tasmania Police, unless matters are raised with the Integrity Commission and they are accepted for investigation.

Independent upper house MLC Meg Webb said that internal investigations can bring perceptions of a lack of independence.

“Internal investigations can be problematic in that way because we simply can’t see what happened and what the outcome was necessarily, except through what we’re given through releases like today,” she said.

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