The Deputy Commissioner of Queensland Police, Ian Stewart, has applauded the junior officer who 'whistleblew' incidents that occurred inside the Airlie Beach police station in 2008.
Constable Bree Sonter, was yesterday hailed as a hero when she broke ranks and filed a complaint against her former patrol partner two years ago.
Benjamin Price today pleaded guilty in the Bowen District Court to assaulting three tourists in separate incidents in 2008 (more).
Benjamin Thomas Price has now cost the Queensland taxpayers more than $1 million in secret payouts to the three bashed tourist victims, for offences that were branded by senior officers as "one of the worst ever seen". (more)
He will be sentenced in October.
This is the Deputy Commissioner's statement:
"I would like to put on the record the QPS' appreciation for the junior officer whose complaint first brought the matters to light.
Her integrity and courage allowed the QPS to uncover and deal with this totally unacceptable course of action, and identify further matters.
This case,while regrettable and disturbing, is proof of the effectiveness of our internal processes in identifying and dealing with misconduct or criminal behaviour.
Two of the three matters relating to the court matters were uncovered by an internal investigation, rather than a complaint from the public. The individual was quickly suspended and charged over the incidents. He resigned from the QPS in August 2008.
The behaviour of the former officer is one of the most disturbing breaches of trust and abuse of authority encountered in the QPS.
We deeply regret that this has happened, and unconditionally apologise to the victims in these incidents."
Deputy Commissioner, Queensland Police, Ian Stewart.
Queensland Police are continuing to examine the circumstances around these incidents to see if there are systemic issues which need addressing or any policy or training implications.
The internal investigation not only focused on the behaviour of the now former officer, but also looked at the conduct of other officers at the station. Further discipline action against other officers has been held in abeyance pending the final outcome of the current court proceedings.
Once the court process is finalised, consideration will be given in relation to discipline action against any current serving officers who were aware of Mr Price's actions and yet failed to report the misconduct.
Officers who were aware of Mr Price's actions but have since resigned from the QPS are no longer subject to the QPS disciplinary process.
No comments:
Post a Comment