IBAC launches probe after cops allegedly swap new Dani Laidley picture

Victoria’s corruption watchdog is appealing for public information after police allegedly shared photos of former AFL coach Dani Laidley.

A covertly snapped image of Dani Laidley as she spoke with friends at the races, including former Kangaroos captain Anthony Stevens.

The Independent Broad-Based Commission Against Corruption has launched an appeal for public information on allegations police shared photos of former AFL coach Dani Laidley, accompanied by transphobic comments.

IBAC announced on Wednesday it was examining claims the images were shared by officers after they were taken without Ms Laidley’s consent at a race meeting.

It comes after covertly snapped pictures of the former AFL coach at Geelong Racecourse at the weekend surfaced online.

Ms Laidley was at the Ballan Cup meeting on November 6 when the pictures were shot.

It is understood the image of Ms Laidley, 54, was shared among a group of Victoria Police officers.

“IBAC is asking any member of the public or police personnel who witnessed the photo being taken, or has information about the photo in a text message being sent or received, to contact IBAC,” a statement from the body said on Wednesday.

Ms Laidley is already at the centre of an internal Victoria Police probe examining allegations officers took unsolicited photos of her.

Pictures were taken last year when she was in custody at St Kilda police station and shared online within hours, generating a privacy storm.

One of those images was a mugshot and the other appeared to have been taken in an interview room.

Ms Laidley claimed in documents filed with the Supreme Court of Victoria that the officers acted with malice and exposed her to humiliation and ridicule.

Ms Laidley sought damages, claiming she had been “brought into public ridicule and contempt” and had her reputation damaged after two images were circulated, initially within a WhatsApp group and then more widely on social media.

Three officers were charged for leaking the photographs while 39 officers in total faced internal disciplinary action.

The former North Melbourne player and coach in November last year pleaded guilty to stalking and was put on a good-behaviour bond after she was found to have made dozens of calls and text messages to another woman.

When contacted by the Herald Sun about the latest complaint, a Victoria Police spokeswoman said police were not investigating the covertly shot pictures of Ms Laidley.

“Victoria Police is unaware of the origin of the photo or any corresponding messages allegedly made by employees,” the spokeswoman said.

“We have not received any details of the members allegedly involved.

“If anyone has any complaints about police misconduct, we strongly encourage them to contact Professional Standards Command or via IBAC so it can be investigated.”