Almost 40 Qld police officers subject to domestic violence orders

The inquiry into police responses to domestic violence has heard almost 40 members of the service have been subject to orders this year, with some officers with histories of DV promoted while others were investigated by colleagues from their own units.

Almost 40 Queensland police officers have been subject to domestic violence orders this year alone in a shocking sign of the challenges facing the fight against DV.

Statistics revealed at the commission of inquiry into domestic violence showed 38 DV orders had been issued against QPS staff or contractors up to June 30.

Dozens of other DV allegations against officers this year have yet to be resolved or fully investigated, while hundreds of complaints and allegations have been made against Queensland police in the past decade.

It follows evidence presented earlier in the inquiry which revealed applicants to the QPS with a history of domestic violence were often turned away and were automatically rejected if the subject of a current DV order.

Ethical Standards Command OIC Cheryl Scanlon says “domestic violence is a very difficult issue”. File picture: Brendan Radke

However, serving officers with long histories of domestic violence were not only retained within the QPS, but some were even elevated to positions of higher pay and responsibility.

Assistant Police Commissioner Cheryl Scanlon, the officer in charge of the Queensland Police Service’s Ethical Standards Command internal affairs division, gave evidence at the inquiry on Friday, answering questions about the DV problems facing the organisation’s own ranks.

Assistant Commissioner Scanlon said serving police officers were not immune to the same relationship conflicts facing society at large.

“We are normal people doing an extraordinary job,” she said.

Orders issued against QPS staff included nine sergeants and eight senior constables.

Three related to contractors working on projects with the QPS.

One officer with a 20-year history of domestic violence and “a significant disciplinary history” was continually elevated to higher roles including training junior staff.

Counsel assisting the commission Anna Cappellano suggested it was “extremely problematic” for officers subjected to DV orders to rise to senior roles.

“Not only are these people still employed, but in some cases they are being offered (higher positions” she said.

Assistant Commissioner Scanlon admitted it was “not a good look”.

“I accept that,” she said. “Domestic violence is a very difficult issue.”

The inquiry also aired concerns that some domestic violence complaints against serving police were being investigated by officers in the alleged perpetrators’ own unit or branch.

“It’s not ideal,” conceded Assistant Commissioner Scanlon.

“Some of these scenarios are things that shouldn’t be happening.”

Appearing as counsel for the QPS, barrister Jeff Hunter, QC, told the inquiry the 38 DV orders did not necessarily reflect the number of offenders, but rather the number who had consented to orders being made.

He also stressed that the 46 complaints against officers made this year did not mean those complaints would be proven.

The inquiry continues in Mount Isa next week.

Originally published as Almost 40 Qld police officers subject to domestic violence orders