Tasmania Police has immediately stood down a 54-year-old police officer from duty after he was charged with accessing child abuse material by the Tasmanian Joint Anti Child Exploitation team, comprising Tasmania Police and the Australian Federal Police.
The man, a police officer currently based in Southern Tasmania, has been 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.
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.
It is not appropriate for us to comment further as the matter is before the courts.
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. If you have seen inappropriate behaviour online that you suspect is child abuse, report it:
• If the child is in immediate danger, call 000.
• Call 131 444
• Report online to the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation (ACCCE) https://www.accce.gov.au/report
Deputy Commissioner
Jonathan Higgins
