In 2026, Police conducted a review of their electronic devices to identify employees who used the Police network and/or Police-issued mobility devices to conduct web searches containing terms that may indicate access to pornographic or other concerning material. As a result, Police identified four cases which required separate investigation. The Authority is overseeing these Police investigations. This is the first of the four investigations to be concluded.
The audit identified a senior Police officer had used his Police-issued mobility device to conduct a large number of searches for a small group of female influencers/social media accounts. These searches occurred while the officer was both on and off duty. The nature of the officer’s web searches on his Police-issued device was not initially considered to be pornographic. Instead, the concern was the high volume of searches towards a small number of female influencers/social media accounts.
Police conducted an investigation into the officer’s misuse. As with other internet misuse matters, they used cyber security investigators to collect evidence relating to the specific searches and the material viewed. Police then reviewed the evidence to determine the severity of the matter.
Police determined that the officer’s sustained and repetitive searches towards a targeted number of social media accounts were in breach of Police policy and the Code of Conduct. They considered he had demonstrated poor judgement and a lack of professional boundaries, and that his actions constituted serious misconduct. Following a request from the subject officer, a further review of a sample of the officer’s searches identified searches containing images that were subsequently classified as pornographic, adult, or mature content.
Police conducted an employment process with the senior officer.
The Authority was satisfied with the Police investigation and agrees with the outcome reached.
IPCA: 26-32527