Acting Police Commissioner Martin Dole writes to cops in wake of ’job for a mate’ scandal

The Territory’s new top cop has addressed his colleagues less than 24-hours after his appointment. Read the latest.

The Northern Territory’s new police commissioner has written to officers calling on them to uphold the “high standards” expected in the force.

Less than 24-hours in the job, Acting Commissioner Martin Dole emailed the Territory’s more than 1650 police officers and auxiliaries advising them of the change at the top and acknowledging the ”vital” work they do.

Under a headline ‘Commissioner Michael Murphy is on leave’, Mr Dole said he had “the privilege of stepping into the role of Acting Commissioner” in the interim.

Deputy Commissioner of Police Martin Dole. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

“I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge the dedication and professionalism that each of you brings to your role every day,” he said.

“The work you do is challenging, often unrelenting and at times thankless – but it is vital.

“The Northern Territory Police Force has a proud history of serving and protecting Territorians, and that commitment does not waver, no matter the circumstances.

“Our focus remains clear: keeping our communities safe, supporting one another and upholding the high standards expected of us.

“I ask that you continue to carry out this important work with the same determination and resilience that defines the force.”

Mr Dole rounded the letter out with additional words of encouragement to officers.

“My door remains open, and I encourage you to stay engaged, look out for your mates, and keep pushing forward together,” he said.

“The job isn’t easy, but it’s one of the most important in the Territory.

“Thank you for your service, your professionalism and your dedication.”

Noticeably, the statement avoids any mention of the so-called job for a mate scandal that dogged Commissioner Murphy in the week leading up to Saturday night’s dramatic announcement by chief minister Lia Finocchiaro that he had lost the confidence of the government.

Ms Finocchiaro said Mr Murphy is on leave pending resolution of his termination of employment.

Earlier this month the Northern Territory Independent Commission Against Corruption released a report summary of Operation Apollo which found negatively against a “public official” who had sat on a job interview panel with his friend.

The ICAC found the officer had engaged in “unsatisfactory conduct, relating to the mismanagement of a conflict of interest”.

“I found that the conduct involved negligence and incompetence. The conduct did result in a substantial detriment to the public interest and was also an inappropriate use of public resources in the recruitment process.”

Last Thursday, six days after the report was released, Mr Murphy acknowledged he was the public official.

Hours later, on Thursday night, the Northern Territory Police Association said Commissioner Murphy had lost the trust of members.”