Domestic violence groups say cops with convictions should not attend call-outs

Domestic violence groups are demanding a ban on cops with DV convictions from attending family violence call-outs, but the service says it doesn’t have the data to make that call.

DOMESTIC violence groups are demanding a ban on cops with DV convictions from attending family violence call-outs.

The Queensland Police Service is refusing to reveal whether any officers with five-year domestic violence orders (DVOs) have access to guns, or are working as police prosecutors.

“The QPS is unable to provide statistics of officers convicted of domestic violence offences nor how many still remain employed by the QPS following conviction,’’ a spokeswoman told The Courier-Mail.

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“The QPS is working to improve internal records in relation to the involvement of its members in domestic and family violence.

“The aim of this work is to ensure accurate records can be readily accessed and maintained.’’

DVConnect chairwoman Shaan Ross-Smith said officers with DVOs should not attend domestic violence cases or work as police prosecutors.

“If they’re working as police prosecutors or responding to a DV occurrence I would see that as a conflict of interest,’’ she said yesterday.

“How could you be impartial in these cases?’’

Ms Ross-Smith said she was surprised that the QPS did not have any data on the number of officers with DVOs.

But she said police officers with a DVO should not necessarily be sacked.

“The flip side is it is important for people to be employed,’’ she said.

“There’s always space to learn and grow, but I would hope there are safeguards in place to know they’re employed in positions where there isn’t a conflict.’’

A QPS spokeswoman said that police officers being investigated for DV offences or subject to a DVO could be suspended or given administrative duties.

She said the roles or locations of officers subject to a DVO or convicted of a DV offence “will not be disclosed for privacy reasons and to protect the victims’’.

“The QPS treats all reports of DV and breaches of DVOs seriously and is committed to fully investigating each matter,’’ she said.

“Officers facing disciplinary proceedings may be liable to sanctions ranging from a reprimand, to financial penalty, demotion or dismissal — with each matter considered on the circumstances of the incident.’’

Opposition leader Deb Frecklington yesterday called on Police Minister Mark Ryan to “get to the bottom of this issue’’.

“There should be zero tolerance for domestic violence within the Queensland Police,’’ she said.

Mr Ryan said he expected the “highest standards of behaviour’’ by police officers.

“If any allegations are raised about a member of the QPS they are investigated, and where appropriate, disciplinary action is taken,’’ he said.

“Those investigations are undertaken by the Ethical Standards Command with oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

“I trust that these robust investigatory processes ensure community expectations are met.’’