The Authority oversaw a Police investigation following a complaint that an officer accessed the Police database for a personal benefit.
An officer organised the purchase of an Apple watch from a seller on Facebook Marketplace. Prior to meeting the seller, the officer queried them and their address in the Police database via their Police-issued cell phone. The officer said he carried out the queries to satisfy to himself that the watch was not stolen. The seller later told another member of Police that the officer had told them he had queried them.
The Police investigation found that there was sufficient evidence to charge the officer with accessing a computer system for a dishonest purpose under section 249 of the Crimes Act 1961. However, Police found that a prosecution was not in the public interest and instead carried an employment process for the officer.
The Authority is satisfied with the Police investigation and agrees with Police finding and outcome reached.
The Authority has also recommended to Police that they update the cell phone application that allows Police employees to access the Police database, restricting access only to those employees who are on duty at the time, and including a warning prompt about inappropriate access.
IPCA: 24-25702