Former Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler investigated by CCC

A top cop who had his role suddenly downgraded was the subject of a Crime and Corruption Commission investigation beforehand, sources have claimed. Read the full details.

Former Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler investigated by CCC.

The state’s second highest ranking police officer faced a secret Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) investigation months prior to his shock rank downgrade, sources claim.

Multiple police sources claim former Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler was at the centre of a serious historical misconduct allegation, which the corruption watchdog was investigating in early 2023.

It’s understood the allegation related to an incident at a police work function in Charleville between the late 1990s and early 2000s where Mr Wheeler was working as a senior sergeant and officer in charge.

The matter is reported to have involved a junior staff member.

Mr Wheeler was downgraded from his position to a Chief Superintendent in August. Picture: Lachie Millard

The Bulletin has contacted a number of witnesses who were called to give evidence as part of the investigation.

Those witnesses - who confirmed a CCC probe took place - claim to have been gagged by the CCC and made to sign confidential undertakings before giving evidence.

They further claim to have not been informed of the progress of the CCC probe, or whether the matter has been finalised.

In August, it was revealed Acting Deputy Commissioner Wheeler had been suddenly demoted, which resulted in a changing of his rank, downgraded to a Chief Superintendent.

There is no suggestion by the Bulletin that Mr Wheeler has committed any wrongdoing, or that the downgrade was related to the CCC investigation claims.

The Queensland Police Service has repeatedly refused to comment on Mr Wheeler’s situation.

The Queensland Police Service has refused to comment on the matter.

Questions were sent to the CCC to confirm whether an investigation into an allegation against Mr Wheeler took place and if there was an outcome.

In a statement a CCC spokesman said it doesn’t “confirm or comment” on any complaint or investigation.

“The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) recognises the important role the media plays in promoting transparency and accountability in government and public institutions,” the spokesman said.

“The CCC also recognises the need to balance the public’s right to information with the need to protect the integrity of investigations and the privacy of individuals involved.”

It’s a significant shift for the CCC which in its independent Review of the Queensland police complaints, discipline and misconduct system, recommended investigations resulting in demotion or dismissal should be published on the QPS website.

“Transparency enables accountability,” the report stated.

”Transparency of decision-making should be a keystone feature in a system that seeks to promote public confidence.”

The CCC recommended the discipline register be modelled off similar public databases such as the Queensland Discipline Register of barristers and solicitors published by the Legal Services Commission.

The State Government committed to establishing the public police discipline register in 2011, however the recommendation has not been implemented.

Originally published as Former Acting Deputy Commissioner Mark Wheeler investigated by CCC