Case demands watchdog with real teeth
The senior ranks of the NSW Police Force find themselves in crisis mode and the consequences for the state could be deeply troubling. The revelation that the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) last week executed search warrants at the homes of at least three senior officers is a deeply troubling development for an organization that relies on the public trust.
The nature of the allegations that the senior cop accepted the free services of sex workers with the permission of former brothel owner and high-profile gambler Eddie Hayson is disgusting. reporterChief investigative reporter Kate McClymont and crime reporter Perry Duffin revealed that sources say CCTV footage from a decade ago showed at least two senior officers visiting the inner west brothel Stiletto, which was then owned by Hayson.
Hayson, 57, is awaiting trial on charges of commercial supply of a large quantity of prohibited drugs after he was arrested by police officers targeting an organized crime group. There is no suggestion that Hayson had any connection with or knowledge of the LECC raids.
reporter he also lodged a complaint with the force’s Professional Standards Command in 2017 detailing allegations about an officer’s links to Hayson, and senior officers are reportedly concerned they may have been photographed at private parties at a house once linked to the former brothel owner.
These allegations against senior police officers go to the heart of police integrity. Although there is no allegation of guilt and no evidence of wrongdoing by the police or Hayson, the investigation casts a shadow over the force.
In the 10 months since then reporter The officers remained on duty after the investigation was made public. Now senior leaders face a difficult choice: leave the raided officers in vital positions or withdraw them without any insight into the LECC’s timeline or the greed of its resources.
Dismissing officers would also likely reveal that they were targets of raids, potentially permanently damaging their reputation and faith in the agency even if they were later exonerated.
Premier Chris Minns rightly points out that sidelining officers is a decision best made under the guidance of the LECC and NSW Police. Minns also called for the investigation to be completed as quickly as possible given “NSW Police have a big job ahead of them”.
He’s right again. Every day, thousands of civil servants go to work to serve the state, often under dangerous and thankless conditions. Frontline officers do not deserve to have the integrity of the force questioned.
But if the prime minister is serious about expediting investigations, he must provide the necessary tools. In its annual report last October, the LECC made a clear call for greater powers. Currently the observer has no legal right to extort information from the police. He can only ask and hope for cooperation. This is nonsense for an agency tasked with oversight.
The report also warns that when information is provided, it is often de-identified, hindering the observer’s ability to properly investigate. If the government wants results it must try to close these loopholes.
Ultimately, it is in the interest of the public, the government and the police to conclude this issue as soon as possible. Transparency is the only cure for the current crisis.
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