Gold Coast senior police face a shake-up as Crime and Corruption Commission investigation widens
ONE of the Gold Coast’s most senior police officers has been arrested and charged. Now Superintendent Michelle Stenner’s colleagues are under the microscope. Here’s what the CCC is looking at.
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THE Gold Coast police district is facing an overhaul as the Crime and Corruption Commission investigation widens to cover staff promotions, contract deals and bullying.
The CCC launched its probe after the Gold Coast Bulletin revealed in April that three Gold Coast police officers who blew the whistle on dodgy crime data-gathering practices were shifted to separate stations.
Interviews later conducted at various stations triggered a wider investigation into police practices.
Police insiders said interviews were continuing at stations after allegations that:
* A “jobs for the boys” culture took over regarding transfers and promotions.
* Several administrative staff jumped to higher paid positions.
* A signature was forged to ensure appointment or promotion of a preferred staff member.
* Contracts for suppliers were given to mates.
The Queensland Police Service is bracing for tribunal hearings where some officers seek compensation for bullying.
Bond University criminologist Dr Terry Goldsworthy is calling for an investigation and internal review into Gold Coast police.
“It is their performance in the last two years. It’s been abysmal in crime management,” Dr Goldsworthy said.
“I think it goes back to the restructure. It is just people who have not got the operational experience put into a challenging operational area and they struggle.”
The former Coast detective renewed calls for Police Minister Mark Ryan and Police Commissioner Ian Stewart to intervene.
“They need to act now. The Commissioner needs to show some leadership. The paper (the Gold Coast Bulletin) flagged this 12 months ago.
“The Minister and Commissioner have denied (there are problems). The police on the road haven’t got the confidence in management. It’s down to zero.”
In June, Mr Ryan declined to comment at length because reviews were being undertaken by the Ethical Standards Command.
“Decisions about where to deploy police officers in Queensland should only be made by police,” a spokesman for Mr Ryan said at the time.
In May, the Gold Coast’s top cop, Assistant Commissioner Brian Codd, said he would work with the CCC.
“The confidence and trust of the community I serve is paramount ... should any inappropriate conduct have taken place within South Eastern Region, then I am committed to responding accordingly as my record clearly demonstrates,” he said.
After his two right-hand men — Supt Michelle Stenner and Supt Terry Borland took leave following the CCC investigation, which included allegations of nepotism involving Supt Borland’s daughter — he guaranteed plans were in place for the Gold Coast 600 race, Schoolies and the Commonwealth Games.
Supt Borland has not been charged and there is no suggestion Assistance Commissioner Codd is, himself, being investigated.
Several Coast police believe changes must be made to senior management before the Games.
Crime rates have continued to soar in the past 12 months with assaults increasing by 65 per cent and DV breaches by 25 per cent.
“This has to be the moment of change. This has to be the line in the sand. This has to be the opportunity to go forward,” a police source said.
“You need stronger leadership. You need reduction in crime. You need stability before the Commonwealth Games.”
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