Search for missing Queensland police officer Jay Notaro to resume after belongings found in NSW

A desperate search will resume after the belongings of a high-ranking Queensland police officer were found in NSW.

A desperate search for a high-ranking Queensland police officer remains underway a day after his surfboard and car were found at near a NSW beach.

Detective Inspector Jay Notaro is missing, with alarm bells raised after he failed to show up for work on Tuesday.

Tweed/Byron Police District Crime Manager Detective Inspector Matt Zimmer said police heard Mr Notaro had been in the Byron Bay area, with his car found parked and unattended at some point on Tuesday morning at the Broken Head Beach carpark in NSW’s Northern Rivers region.

His surfboard was found by someone walking along the beach “a short time later” between 7.30am and 8am on Tuesday morning, about 500m north of where his car was found.

The surfboard was not damaged and the leg rope was fully in tact.

Inspector Notaro previously headed the Gold Coast Water Police before he was officer in charge at Coomera Police Station, Today reported.

Queensland Police Detective Inspector Jay Notaro is missing. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Queensland Premier David Crisafulli and Inspector Notaro. Picture: Supplied

He then moved to Ipswich as Detective Inspector.

Inspector Zimmer said Mr Notaro was “a very strong swimmer”.

“Very strong swimmer, very experienced surfer, and the conditions that presented over the last few days were quite calm,” Inspector Zimmer said.

“So he would be extremely capable of managing those conditions due to his experience, (he is an) extremely fit man as well.

“The inspector’s also a very highly regarded and very well respected member of the Queensland Police Force — our thoughts are with his family and colleagues.

“The family of the inspector would like me to extend their gratitude and thanks to the emergency services and volunteers who have been part of this search operation.”

Queensland Acting Police Commissioner Shane Chelepy earlier called Inspector Notaro a “highly valued colleague and friend”.

“The Queensland Police Service is extremely concerned for the welfare of our member, who is a highly valued colleague and friend to many in the service,” Mr Chelepy said.

“Our thoughts are with the officer’s family and friends during this extremely difficult time and every support is being made available.

“I am grateful for the efforts of NSW Police and our own teams involved with the ongoing search.”

The search for Inspector Notaro was launched at Broken Head about 12.40pm on Tuesday. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

A Queensland Police Service spokeswoman earlier confirmed the missing man was a member of the force.

“Officers and the member’s family are concerned for their welfare due to the disappearance being considered out of character,” the spokeswoman said.

“A search is under way in an effort to locate the member.

“Anyone with information that may be able to assist with the whereabouts of the member is asked to contact police.”

The search resumed on Wednesday morning. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers told The Courier Mail that Inspector Notaro is “a future leader of the police”.

“Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police,” Mr Leavers said.

Mr Leavers said he hoped Inspector Notaro would be found safely.

“He is not only a friend, he is one of the future leaders of the organisation,” he said.

“I’m praying, he’s just a champion.”

A NSW Police spokesman said search crews would focus on areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly in the Broken Head area. Picture: NewsWire/ Natalie Grono

A NSW Police spokesman said search crews would focus on areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly in the Broken Head area.

People have flocked to social media to express well wishes for Inspector Notaro.

“Hope he is found safe and well. Thinking of his family, friends and work colleagues,” one wrote to Facebook.

“Jay is such a nice bloke! Please find him NSW,” another added.

“Good man, hope he is found well, in our prayers,” wrote another.

Originally published as Search for missing Queensland police officer Jay Notaro to resume after belongings found in NSW