Queensland Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd cleared over ‘failure of duty’ allegations

One of Queensland’s most senior police officers will return to his role as the face of the service’s domestic violence response after being cleared of “failure of duty” allegations.

Queensland Police Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd. Photo Steve Pohlner

One of Queensland’s most senior police officers will return to his role as the face of the service’s domestic violence response after being cleared of “failure of duty” allegations.

Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd, a highly regarded member of the service’s senior executive, was stood down in February over allegations he had knowledge of a domestic violence allegation involving someone close to him.

Today, the Queensland Police Service announced Mr Codd’s suspension had been revoked after a thorough investigation found “all matters” were unsubstantiated.

The allegations were independently investigated by the Crime and Corruption Commission.

“The QPS has revoked the suspension of Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd,” a police statement said.

“The CCC has informed the QPS the investigation has been finalised and that all matters are unsubstantiated.

“Arrangements are underway for Assistant Commissioner Codd to return to duty in his role as the Assistant Commissioner of the Domestic, Family Violence and Vulnerable Persons Command.

“The QPS is satisfied with the outcome of a thorough CCC investigation and has full confidence in Assistant Commissioner Codd returning to duty.”

Mr Codd will return to his role as preparations continue for the Commission of Inquiry to examine police responses to domestic and family violence, set to begin on March 30.

The inquiry, announced this week, is expected to run for four months.

He previously gave an emotional press conference following the alleged murder of 27-year-old mother-of-three Kelly Wilkinson a year ago.

Ms Wilkinson was allegedly set alight in the backyard of her Arundel home by her ex-partner Brian Johnston. He has been charged with murder and is yet to enter a plea.

Mr Codd agreed Ms Wilkinson had been in contact with police prior to her death, saying it was “ultimately a failure”.

“Somewhere along the line, she engaged with the system … and we were unable to prevent this from occurring,” he said.

“It doesn’t matter that 999 out of 1000 we might get it right; our job is to try to prevent the horrific circumstances that occurred on this occasion from occurring, and we weren’t able to do that.”

In February, 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.”

Mr Codd on Thursday told The Courier-Mail he was “very pleased” with the outcome and hoped to return to the job next week.

“I’m looking forward to getting back to work,” he said.

“There is still lots of work to be done in the domestic and family violence space and I want to be able to hold perpetrators accountable.”