The Independent Police Conduct Authority has found that an officer who was involved in a driving incident while off duty and subsequently used the Police database to obtain information and contact the other driver, failed to recognise that he had a conflict of interest.

On 24 July 2024, an off duty officer was involved in an incident where two cars attempted to merge into the same lane. The officer took note of the other car’s registration and the next day, while on duty, discussed the matter with a senior officer. He believed from that conversation that he was authorised to access the Police database to obtain the other driver’s contact details. He subsequently contacted the other driver to discuss the incident and their manner of driving.

The other driver complained to the Authority that the officer had been aggressive on the telephone and should not have been able to access his personal information. The Authority conducted an independent investigation into the matter.

The Authority accepts the officer was not conscious of his conflict of interest. He believed he had authorisation to obtain information from the Police database. In our assessment, the officer demonstrated poor judgement and decision making, but did not act dishonestly or breach Police policy (because he consulted a senior officer).

© Scoop Media