Senior Constable David Didsman demoted for dangerous driving

A Queensland police officer, who went on a high speed chase without permission, has faced disciplinary action.

A Bundaberg police officer’s split second decision to chase suspected offenders in his car continues to haunt him more than three years later.

According to recent court documents, Bundaberg Officer Senior Constable David Didsman was first charged by the Queensland Police Service with two counts of dangerous operation of a vehicle on September, 23 2018 when he used a police car in a high speed chase at Cherwell and other places near Bundaberg.

The officer did not have permission to perform the chase and conducted an illegal dangerous manoeuvre at the time.

A decision was made at the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal in Brisbane in March, 2020 by Queensland Police Acting Assistant Commissioner Horton to impose a disciplinary sanction on SC Didsman of $1,601.40.

However, on April 25, 2020, the Crime and Corruption Commission applied to the Tribunal for a review, saying the fine was not the ‘correct and preferable decision’ for the misconduct as it was “inadequate, does not adequately meet the need for general or personal deterrence, does not reflect the seriousness of SC Didsman’s conduct and does not meet the purposes of disciplinary proceedings”.

Former Sergeant officer in charge of the Bundaberg Road Policing Unit David Didsman will be demoted from March.

The officer appeared in the Bundaberg Magistrates Court on March 18, 2021 where the Queensland Police Service was unable to offer any evidence on the charges, which were then dismissed.

The matter returned to QCAT court in Brisbane on January 28 this year for amendment of the disciplinary action.

The court ordered the officer receive a suspended demotion for a period of 12 months and be temporarily transferred locally to a position not within the Road Policing Unit (with the exception of Forensic Crash Investigation duties) or a General Duties position which would require the officer to undertake a ‘first response’ role; or where he would be expected to engage in urgent duty driving.

According to the order, the transfer will start in March 1, 2022 for a period of twelve months.

Senior Constable Didsman was also ordered to undergo mentoring with a senior officer of at least Senior Sergeant rank within the Bundaberg District to “improve, and to provide guidance and feedback on, his leadership and decision-making skills.”

The officer cannot relieve in any position outside of his redeployed position and must complete Queensland Police Service pursuits policy training and a driver training unit refresher within 12 months.