Presentation of LECC Report Operation Tabarca

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission furnished a report to Parliament today in Operation Tabarca, an investigation into complaints made by a number of NSW Police Force (‘NSWPF’) officers and civilians regarding the conduct of their Commander between his arrival in 2013 and his departure on sick leave in 2019.

Media Statement

08.05.2020

PRESENTATION OF LECC REPORT – OPERATION TABARCA

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission furnished a report to Parliament today in Operation Tabarca, an investigation into complaints made by a number of NSW Police Force (‘NSWPF’) officers and civilians regarding the conduct of their Commander between his arrival in 2013 and his departure on sick leave in 2019.

The NSWPF had already investigated a number of complaints that had been made against the Commander, two of which (harassment/bullying), were sustained. This resulted in him receiving one counselling session.

The Commission’s investigation focussed upon allegations about the Commander’s behaviour towards staff which included bullying, harassment and discrimination, and the handling of workplace complaints by the NSWPF. In the course of its investigation the Commission conducted a number of private examinations at which a total of 23 witnesses gave evidence.

The Commission found that the complaints of bullying and harassment made by seven police officers were sustained and amounted to serious misconduct by the Commander.

Recommendation

The Commission recommended the Commissioner of Police give consideration to dismissing the Commander on the grounds that his behaviour breached the NSWPF Guidelines in relation to Workplace Behaviour and was contrary to the NSWPF Code of Conduct and Ethics.

The Operation Tabarca report can be found on the Commission website.

Background

The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission is an independent statutory body. The principal functions of the Commission are to detect, investigate and expose serious misconduct and serious maladministration within the NSW Police Force and the NSW Crime Commission. 

The Commission is separate from and completely independent of the NSW Police Force and NSW Crime Commission. The Commission will treat all information confidentially and has powers to protect persons who provide information to it.