Corruption watchdog questions loophole in policy disciplining police officers

Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has raised concerns over a recent court decision's interpretation by the Queensland Police Service (QPS). CCC chair Bruce Barbour expressed disagreement with the interpretation during a parliamentary committee appearance. The CCC argues that police officers found guilty of a crime but without a recorded conviction should be subject to review during any subsequent disciplinary process.

Barbour stated, "Any conduct of a police officer which is so extreme in its nature that there is a criminal conviction ought to be able to be the subject of review during the course of any subsequent disciplinary process." He emphasized that not considering such convictions presents "an enormous risk not only to QPS but also to the community."

Shadow women's minister Shannon Fentiman inquired whether the interpretation extended to domestic and family violence (DV) convictions. CCC senior executive officer Craig Capper confirmed this, stating that the QPS cannot consider DV information when deciding on disciplinary action against an officer without a recorded conviction. Capper added that while the police commissioner can access DV matters, they cannot use this information for disciplining officers. This matter is being challenged by the CCC.

The CCC is contesting 19 instances where police officers have avoided punishment. They maintain that the officer's conduct remains subject to review and discipline. Barbour highlighted the disconnect, asserting that the CCC's challenge lies in the officer's liability to review and discipline despite the conviction lack. The CCC has previously criticized the QPS for a three-year delay in establishing an independent police integrity unit, a recommendation from a commission of inquiry into handling domestic and family violence cases. The QPS declined to comment on the matter.