Tasmania Police constable resigned amid misconduct probe over relationship with criminal

A constable with Tasmania Police resigned before facing the finalization of a disciplinary investigation into allegations of misconduct, including starting a relationship with a criminal suspect under investigation and misleading her superiors. Professional standards documents obtained by ABC News reveal that the probationary officer was recommended for a reprimand concerning 16 suspected breaches of the Police Service Act.

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You told [a fellow inspector] you had picked him up one night during February 2025 and had, earlier that month, driven him home at his request and this was the last time you had seen him. You confirmed you were still in contact with [him] on Instagram but denied using any other social media application to interact with him.

The uniformed officer, based in Launceston, was reportedly made aware of concerns regarding her safety due to an associate in January 2025. An initial police summary alleged the constable obtained the man's mobile number and initiated a relationship. Despite being instructed by a police inspector to cease all contact due to a clear conflict of interest, the alleged contact continued.

Police launched a professional standards investigation in March 2025. A provisional report indicated that the constable initially claimed she had only recently begun interacting with the man and was unaware of his criminal activities. However, she was instructed to "cease all contact." Subsequent information suggested she was seen traveling with him a month later, which she denied.

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You told [a fellow inspector] you had picked him up one night during February 2025 and had, earlier that month, driven him home at his request and this was the last time you had seen him. You confirmed you were still in contact with [him] on Instagram but denied using any other social media application to interact with him.

The investigation further revealed that the man was actively under criminal investigation, possessed a known criminal history, and was considered of "dubious character." Phone records seized from the man's phone allegedly showed frequent contact between the constable and the suspect between January 22 and March 1, 2025, indicating they had also spent time together in person. The matter was subsequently forwarded to the Integrity Commission.

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[They] indicated that you had been in frequent telephone contact with [him] in the period between 22 January and 1 March 2025 and had also spent time with him in person.