Specialist team will run an in-depth investigation into a 54-year-old officer charged with accessing child abuse material

‘Every piece of information’ is set to be used by a specialist team leading an investigation into the officer charged with accessing child abuse material, Tasmania’s Police Commissioner says.

An investigation is underway into a former police officer who has been charged with accessing child exploitation material.

Specialist investigators have been appointed to examine the conduct of a police officer who has been charged with accessing child exploitation material.

Dale Geoffrey Cook, 54, was arrested and charged on Sunday by the Tasmanian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET). He is yet to enter a plea.

The team comprises members of the Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).

Mr Cook will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in March.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said Mr Cook had resigned from the force after his arrest.

Commissioner Donna Adams Tasmania Police. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

She also said the Tasmania Police and JACET investigations would be run concurrently.

“The investigation will be run with independent oversight from the Integrity Commission and will examine his entire career to determine whether there has been any other criminal offending or misconduct during his time with Tasmania Police,” Commissioner Adams said.

“If any criminal matters relating to federal law are identified, they will be referred to the AFP. Any criminal matters relating to Tasmanian law will be investigated by Tasmania Police.”

Commissioner Adams recognised the distress the allegations had caused in the community and among those who knew Mr Cook or worked alongside him.

“As confronting as it is to see a Tasmania Police officer accused of these crimes, uncovering and exposing this kind of alleged behaviour is how we will continue to fight against the abuse and exploitation of children and work to keep our children and young people safe.

“The JACET investigation, arrest and laying of charges in this case highlights how our processes are working, and we’ll continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to stop those who seek to harm our children and young people.

“The behaviour alleged to have taken place is criminal and targets the most vulnerable members of our community – it is a complete breach of the trust placed in this individual personally and professionally.

“As an organisation, we will continue to make the improvements needed to better protect children and support victim-survivors and ensure the values and behaviour of Tasmania Police meets the high standards expected by the community.”

Those with information about child sexual abuse were urged to come forward.

“Every piece of information, no matter how small, can help build a picture for investigators,” Commissioner Adams said.

People can report directly to the police or Crime Stoppers.

“Information can be provided anonymously,” Commissioner Adams said.

“Matters can also be reported directly to the Integrity Commission or the Office of the Independent Regulator.

“Support for victim-survivors is available through Arch, and people have the choice of reporting this way too – if they want to.”

— SIMON MCGUIRE

Police officer charged with accessing child abuse material

A Tasmanian police officer has been stood down after being charged with accessing child abuse material.

Launceston man Dale Geoffrey Cook, 54, has been charged with one count of using a carriage service for child abuse material.

Deputy Police Commissioner Jonathan Higgins said Mr Cook was based in southern Tasmania had been charged by the Tasmanian Joint Anti Child Exploitation team, comprising Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police.

He said the officer, whose rank is not known, was immediately stood down from duty pending the outcome of the court process.

“This is distressing news, and wellbeing services are being made available to all staff as required,” Mr Higgins said.

“As an organisation, we have committed to better protecting children and ensuring the values and behaviour of Tasmania Police meets the high standards expected by the community.

“As confronting as it is to see a Tasmania Police officer accused of these crimes, uncovering and exposing this kind of alleged behaviour is how we will continue to fight against the abuse and exploitation of children, and work to keep our children and young people safe.

“We will continue to work alongside the AFP on this investigation, and as part of the

Tasmanian Joint Anti Child Exploitation team, stop those who seek to harm our young people.”

Tasmania Police officer has been charged with accessing child abuse material.

Mr Higgins said it was not appropriate to comment further as the matter was before the courts.

Mr Cook attended an after-hours hearing at the Launceston Magistrates Court on Sunday night.

“Online child abuse is a serious crime. Tasmania Police, with the support of its partners, is committed to stopping these crimes and keeping our children safe,” he said.

Anyone who has seen inappropriate behaviour online that you suspect is child abuse is urged to call 131 444 or report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) https://www.accce.gov.au/report

— SUE BAILEY