The Authority oversaw a Police investigation after Police identified a potential improper handling by an officer of a victim statement and an accompanying intimate photograph. The investigation also considered whether the officer had made an inappropriate comment to the complainant regarding how they proposed to resolve the complaint.
The investigation considered the internal processes for attaching documents including images to the electronic Police file and concluded that the officer followed an established process, however he should have updated the records to say he had taken the statement himself rather than relying on other staff. The investigation also found that the officer's own practices needed improving.
In relation to the comment made to the complainant, the investigation found that it was a poor choice of words that could have been misinterpreted. The Authority notes that the complainant was happy with what the officer had suggested and in the context that it was said, no misunderstanding was caused.
The Authority agreed with the outcome of the Police investigation and the officer's actions have been addressed by the Police.
IPCA: 17-1510