Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd investigated over claim he failed to report DV allegation

The face of Queensland Police’s fight against domestic violence has been suspended following an allegation he failed to report a domestic violence claim involving someone close to him.

The face of Queensland Police Service’s fight against domestic violence has been suspended following an allegation he failed to report a domestic violence claim involving someone close to him.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd, a highly regarded member of the service’s senior executive, has been suspended with pay while the allegations are investigated.

A statement released by the Queensland Police Service described the situation as an alleged “failure of duty”.

“The allegations will be investigated,” the brief statement said.

It is understood Mr Codd is alleged to have not reported a domestic violence allegation made against someone close to him.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd and Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk after the Dreamworld tragedy. Picture by Scott Fletcher

When contacted for comment, Mr Codd said he was unable to talk about the investigation.

“Unfortunately, I am not legally permitted to comment or discuss the matter, other than to say the QPS has appropriate and robust systems in place with independent oversight in relation to the role and responsibilities of its officers,” he said.

“I am now involved in a process that is important for transparency and public confidence, given my position.

“I look forward to assisting the process.”

The claims have not been proven.
Mr Codd is the Assistant Commissioner for Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command.

He fronted the media over many difficult domestic violence murders and was particularly open about police failures in the horror killing of Gold Coast mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson.

“Ultimately it’s a failure,” an emotional Mr Codd said at the time.

“She had engaged with the system, with us, and we were unable to prevent this from occurring.

“We want answers ourselves.”

Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd addresses the media about the murder of Kelly Wilkinson. PICTURE: Brad Fleet

He was also the face of the Dreamworld tragedy, where, in his role as Assistant Commissioner of the South East region, he fronted the media and spoke emotively about the deaths of Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozbeh Araghi and Cindy Low after a ride malfunctioned.

“I guess we were called to one of those jobs that you just don‘t expect to happen,” he said.

“Somewhere along the line, we anticipate tragedies that cause such loss of life in other circumstances and all too often it happens on our roads.

“But coming to a place where families want to come and enjoy each other’s company and just have fun doesn’t really equate to such a tragedy that we’ve seen.”

The day after four people were tragically killed on a water themed ride at Dreamworld. Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

He described as a “miracle” the fact that two children on the ride survived.

“In terms of how they escaped, maybe through the providence of God or somebody, but it seems from what I‘ve seen (it’s) almost a miracle that anybody came out of that,” Mr Codd said.

“If we‘re going to be thankful for anything, I’m thankful for that.”