The Authority oversaw a Police investigation into an officer allegedly possessing child exploitation material and committing family harm against both his ex-wife and ex-partner.

The Police investigation found there was insufficient evidence to substantiate the allegation that the officer was ever in possession of objectional material. Additionally, the investigation determined that there was insufficient evidence to charge the officer with assaulting his ex-partner.

However, the investigation did find that there was sufficient evidence to charge the officer with kidnapping, assaulting and threatening his ex-wife. These incidents spanned over several years while the two were still married. The kidnapping related to an occasion in 2015 in which the officer prevented his ex-wife from leaving her bedroom. Police ultimately decided to charge the officer with a threatening act, due to any potential assault charge being time-barred.

The Authority agreed with Police’s decision to charge the officer on this basis but expected disciplinary proceedings to follow.

The officer appeared in court and later completed diversion for the charge. Following the proceedings, Police indicated that they would not continue with an employment process for the officer, essentially because the incidents occurred before he became a police officer.

We disagreed with Police, confirming with them that the kidnapping occurred while the officer was in fact employed by Police and that he also acknowledged a criminal offence through the diversion process at the same time.

The employment disciplinary process was progressed, and the subject officer met with the employment decision maker to respond to the concerns raised as part of this process. During the meeting, Police concluded that the officer’s actions did not warrant any disciplinary action. The process was formally concluded without the Authority being given an opportunity to comment on the outcome.

The Authority subsequently expressed concern to Police about the outcome, but acknowledges that ultimately, that is a matter for Police as the employer.

IPCA: 24-22636