Lawyer at helm of Tasmanian Police pedophilia probe calls for witnesses

“Anyone who wishes to be heard, will be heard.” Anyone with information about the Paul Reynolds pedophilia scandal within Tasmania Police has been asked to now come forward.

Barrister Regina Weiss has called for witnesses in the Paul Reynolds scandal inquiry. Picture: Chris Kidd

Witnesses or anyone with information about the Paul Reynolds pedophilia scandal within Tasmania Police have been asked to come forward – with a reassurance their voice would be heard.

An independent review was announced late last week, after the Mercury reported that according to the commission of inquiry final report, Senior Sergeant Reynolds was given a full police funeral in 2018 despite the force being aware of pedophilia allegations against him for a decade.

Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams announced the probe after days of mounting pressure, with the review to be conducted by Tasmanian barrister – and former war crimes prosecutor in The Hague – Regina Weiss.

Ms Weiss said submissions from witnesses or members of the public were open now until November 30.

“Individuals are invited to assist with this review by sharing knowledge, experiences or information that relates to Paul Reynolds,” she said.

“Any information relating to historical complaints made about Paul Reynolds, including to other police officers, and the handling of those complaints, is also sought.”

Ms Weiss said people could provide written submissions anonymously if they wished to do so, or register for a private session.

“All submissions will be treated as confidential, unless otherwise agreed,” she said.

Sessions will be held across Tasmania, with dates to be announced in the coming weeks.

Ms Weiss said it was important the review be conducted in a trauma-informed manner and would not compel victim-survivors to come forward.

She also said she would take on evidence potentially implicating other police officers of crimes, if it arose.

“If, in the course of my review, evidence regarding other police officers who may have been involved in child sex abuse or other criminal conduct is provided, appropriate referrals will be made,” she said.

“Anyone who wishes to be heard, will be heard.”

Senior Sergeant Reynolds died by suicide shortly after his home had been searched amid child exploitation material and grooming allegations.

Commissioner Adams has said the force now regretted the decision to grant Senior Sergeant Reynolds a police funeral with a guard of honour.

Last week, a senior Tasmania Police officer spoke to the Mercury anonymously, slamming the force’s “hypocrisy” and saying their colleagues felt misled and “embarrassed” by having attended Senior Sergeant Reynolds’ massive police funeral.

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