The Authority was notified of a complaint from a woman who alleged that her partner, a non-sworn Police employee, had non-consensual sexual intercourse with her on two specific occasions. The woman also alleged that her partner sexually abused their child and that he uses drugs regularly.
The employee reported to Police that his partner (the complainant) had stolen his Police-issued laptop. The employee had previously also reported a Police laptop and mobile phone missing.
Police commenced several investigations which the Authority oversaw, respectively dealing with:
• misuse of Police equipment;
• allegations of non-consensual sexual intercourse; and
• use of illegal drugs.
Police investigated if any unauthorised access could be detected on the laptop and mobile phone, or if the employee or anyone else (including gang associates) had inappropriately accessed Police information. The investigation could not establish any evidence of a data breach. There was also no evidence of any criminal offending.
The Police criminal investigation could not establish the sexual assault allegations to the criminal prosecution standard but raised concerns in relation to the allegations of non-consensual sexual intercourse, requiring further consideration as part of the employment process.
During the investigations, Police found a video recording of the employee smoking an unknown substance through a glass pipe. In subsequent interviews, the employee admitted to using illegal drugs.
Police decided to conduct a disciplinary meeting with the employee. The employee, however, declined to participate in the process and resigned from Police.
The Authority agrees that Police adequately investigated this matter, and it was brought to a fair conclusion.
IPCA: 23-17123