Media outlets are reminded to be mindful of the following national guidelines when reporting on this matter.
https://www.childsafety.gov.au/what-we-do/reporting-child-sexual-abuse-guidance-media-and-victims-and-survivors
Tasmania Police will appoint specialist investigators to examine the conduct of former police officer Dale Cook, with independent oversight from the Integrity Commission.
On Sunday the officer was arrested and charged by the Tasmanian Joint Anti-Child Exploitation Team (JACET), comprising members of Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police (AFP).
He was charged with accessing child exploitation material and will next appear in the Launceston Magistrates Court in March 2025.
Following his arrest the officer was stood down from duty effective immediately, and he has since resigned from Tasmania Police.
Today, Commissioner Donna Adams said the Tasmania Police investigation will be run concurrently with the JACET criminal investigation.
"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," she 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 caused to the community and those who know the officer facing these allegations, particularly those who have 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," she said.
"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."
Commissioner Adams said she continued to encourage anyone with information about child sexual abuse to come forward.
"Every piece of information, no matter how small, can help build a picture for investigators," she said.
"There are several different options for reporting."
"People can report directly to police on 131 444, or by visiting a police station. You can also report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au."
"Anyone can report concerns or incidents involving police at our Child and Youth Safe web page: dpfem.tas.gov.au/childsafe or complaints portal: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/about-us/compliments-and-complaints/. Information can be provided anonymously."
"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."
The Tasmanian Government's Keeping Children Safe website is available at https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/
Support services are available via https://keepingchildrensafe.tas.gov.au/get-support/
