IBAC independently oversighting Victoria Police investigation into serious privacy breach

IBAC

Victoria’s independent police oversight agency, IBAC, has confirmed today that the scope of Victoria Police’s investigation into a serious incident involving unauthorised disclosure of a person’s private information at St Kilda Police Station will address issues IBAC considers necessary to restore public confidence and prevent future breaches.

Commissioner for IBAC, The Honourable Robert Redlich QC said today Victoria Police has confirmed that the scope of the investigation being undertaken by Professional Standards Command into the unauthorised disclosure will encompass matters IBAC has identified as essential to ensure the investigation is comprehensive and identifies how such concerning behaviour by Victoria Police officers can be prevented in future.

“The community is right to expect that police always conduct themselves in accordance with the law, and this must include ensuring that people’s privacy is appropriately protected at all times.

“As part of IBAC’s independent oversight of Victoria Police we have been liaising with police command on the scope of the investigation.

“Importantly, Victoria Police has confirmed they are looking at any underlying cultural issues, and how they can build on their work with the LGBTIQ community and ensure their officers have proper regard to human rights.

“Addressing any such cultural issues and improving police training will be fundamental to ensuring this type of behaviour is simply not tolerated and doesn’t happen again.

“While IBAC is satisfied that the investigation scope is sufficient, we will be keeping a close watch on progress, as part of our independent oversight of Victoria Police,” Commissioner Redlich said.

IBAC has confirmed the Professional Standards Command investigation will examine:

  • The number of officers involved in taking the initial photographs, and the conduct of any other officers who were present and aware of this behaviour
  • How other officers received the photographs and responded to this material, including whether they further distributed the photographs and if they complied with their obligations to report the improper conduct
  • The alleged leaking to the media of information from the interview with the person in custody, along with images from the person’s mobile phone
  • Policies, systems and practices relevant to this conduct, including any underlying leadership and cultural issues and the adequacy of associated police procedures and training.

/Public Release.