Search under way for ‘unaccounted for’ NT Police guns following audit

A search is under way for ‘unaccounted for’ NT Police guns following an audit.

A search is underway for several ‘unaccounted for’ NT Police guns following an audit. Picture: Che Chorley

• NT Police in the dark on how many guns are ‘missing’ or ‘unaccounted for’
• Cocaine cop Daniel Keelan pleads guilty to stealing service weapon for ‘own use

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A SEARCH is under way for “unaccounted for” NT Police guns following an audit.

The audit comes after the court case of former constable Daniel Keelan who was found to have stolen his Glock, keeping it in a bedside drawer for almost three years.

Commander Matthew Hollamby said police are searching for two Glock pistols.

“NT Police have just conducted another audit of all agency owned firearms and two Glock pistols remain unaccounted for,” Cdr Hollamby said.

“An investigation is currently underway to determine their whereabouts or whether it’s a matter of incorrect recording of the handling and storage of these guns.”

Keelan, who was sentenced to 12 months jail, suspended after three months, was found guilty of selling cocaine to then Senior Constable Brittany-Rose Kettle while the pair were engaged in an extramarital affair last year and taking home his Glock pistol and 100 rounds of ammunition without permission.

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Cdr Hollamby said there were strict accountability processing place but it had failed.

“NT Police have strict accountability processes and procedures for departmental firearms, noting there are several thousand firearms owned by the NT Police,” he said.

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“In a recent audit, this particular firearm was identified as being not sighted in the first firearms data collation and scheduled for further inquiries.

“It was found before those inquiries were finalised.

“NT Police prioritises the principles of ethics and trust but unfortunately there was a clear failure on this occasion.”

Cdr Hollamby said the audit included sighting and crosschecking serial numbers with records. “The inventory trail indicates the two missing firearms were last at the NT Police Armoury but a full audit and re-audit of the Armoury firearms has not located them,” he said.

“This is of significant concern to the NT Police and an investigation will be conducted into the unaccounted firearms.

“There has been a failure that clearly needs to be addressed.”

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