Police Commissioner Donna Adams has today publicly released the interim report of the Weiss Independent Review into former police officer Paul Reynolds.
Commissioner Adams appointed Ms Regina Weiss, a highly regarded barrister with many years of experience leading independent reviews, in October 2023 to undertake an independent review into Paul Reynolds as well as any allegations of child sex abuse by any other police officer.
"There has been a significant uptake since the call for submissions was made on 12 October last year, which cover a time period of more than 30 years," Commissioner Adams said.
"To date, in-person private sessions have been conducted in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Deloraine and Burnie, with more scheduled over the coming months.
"I would like to acknowledge the bravery of those people who have already participated to date for their courage in sharing their lived experiences. Your courage in coming forward is deeply appreciated and valued."
"It is distressing to learn that a once trusted member of Tasmania Police used his role to groom and abuse children as far back as 1988. I am deeply sorry for the hurt and suffering you experienced, the ongoing impact, and that you weren't able to share your experiences before now.
Commissioner Adams said that Ms Weiss had presented her interim report on the progress of the review yesterday.
"As Commissioner, one of my key aims is to build community confidence in our police service and that is why I believe this independent review is an important step forward in rebuilding trust," she said.
"I welcome Ms Weiss' interim independent review report, which outlines general themes and does not include recommendations at this time.
"It's important to note that the independent reviewer has not advised me of any information relating to current offending or inappropriate sexual behaviour by a serving police officer or suspicions that a child in contact with a police officer may not be safe.
"The independent reviewer also acknowledges the extensive steps Tasmania Police has taken to address reporting gaps and improve accountability.
"The review is ongoing, so it's not appropriate to comment further at this stage, however I look forward to receiving the final review report which will be publicly released by the end of June 2024.
"The final report will contain review outcomes and recommendations regarding policy and practise reforms for Tasmania Police.
"Importantly, the final report will be de-identified to protect the identities of those who come forward.
"I welcome any recommendations that will further improve Tasmania Police's responses to ensure victim-survivors reporting sexual crimes continue to be treated with dignity and their reports are appropriately investigated and managed."
Commissioner Adams said that she continued to encourage anyone with information about Paul Reynolds to come forward and make a submission.
"It's important that anyone who has any information about child sexual abuse by Paul Reynolds or any police officer - whether that be information or suspicions about offending or inappropriate sexual behaviour – to please come forward and provide that information to the independent reviewer," she said.
"As Commissioner, I want to know so I can take the necessary action.
"It's important that everyone who wants to have a voice is heard so the independent review can be conducted as thoroughly as possible.
"I would like to remind the community that this process is confidential, trauma-informed and managed at arm's length from Tasmania Police by the independent reviewer."
Anyone who wishes to make a written submission or register interest in a private session can still do so and should email [email protected]
More information, including the Weiss Independent Review interim report and actions Tasmania Police has implemented since the Commission of Inquiry, is available here: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/commission-of-inquiry/weiss-independent-review/
* If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence, please call the state-wide Sexual Assault Crisis Line 24/7 on 1800 697 877. If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, please call the Family Violence Response and Referral Line 24/7 on 1800 633 937. In an emergency, always call 000.
