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Media Release - Presentation of LECC Report Operation Tabourie

LECC Report into investigation of NSWPF officer providing confidential information to associate

Media Release

24.03.2022

LECC Report into investigation of NSWPF officer providing confidential information to associate

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (‘the Commission’) furnished its report in Operation Tabourie to Parliament today.

The Commission investigated the conduct of an officer of the NSW Police Force (‘NSWPF’) who was alleged to have provided confidential police information to an associate.

On 19 January 2021 the officer was speaking to his girlfriend’s brother (Civilian TAB2) on the phone when Civilian TAB2 asked for information relating to the recent arrest of his colleague’s brother. The officer stated that he would look into it but that Civilian TAB2 would have to keep it a secret if the information was provided to him.

The Commission held a private examination on 10 November 2021, where the officer admitted to providing the information as requested. He conceded that the information was confidential police information but stated that he did not think “it was a major issue”. He stated he provided the information because he wanted to maintain a positive relationship with his girlfriend.

Findings

The Commission is satisfied that the officer provided confidential police information to Civilian TAB2, and that this was a poor decision he made in an effort to fit the social mould of his girlfriend’s family. The Commission is also satisfied that the officer has corrected his behaviour and learnt from his mistakes. The evidence does not support a finding that the officer engaged in serious misconduct.

The Commission recommends that the Commissioner of Police should give consideration to the taking of non-reviewable action, namely counselling, for the benefit of the officer pursuant to s 173 of the Police Act 1990.

The Operation Tabourie report can be accessed on the Commission’s website.