The Authority oversaw a Police investigation after an audit of the Police database showed that an officer had queried the registration of a motorcycle, which the officer purchased several weeks later. The audit showed the officer had also searched the registered owner and the owner’s address.
The officer involved admitted he looked at the information prior to purchasing the motorcycle because he wanted to ensure it was not involved in organised crime or subject to a Police investigation. He also said he checked the owner’s address to ensure it was safe for him to go there to pick up the motorcycle. The officer explained he believed the query was work-related as he considered he was protecting himself and Police from jeopardy. Police did not consider the officer’s actions amounted to criminal offending, however found that the officer’s queries were not work-related.
Police did not follow the agreed process by providing the Authority with an opportunity to review the investigation report before it was given to the decision-maker. In our view, the investigation did not properly consider whether the officer’s actions constituted a criminal offence.
However, the Authority was provided an opportunity to review the proposed employment outcome prior to it being finalised. This allowed the Authority to perform its oversight function, and we highlighted our concerns with the investigation and proposed decision. Police addressed these concerns in its final decision, which found the officer’s queries were in breach of policy.
The Authority is satisfied with the outcome Police reached.
IPCA: 24-24133