Constable misled superiors about her alleged relationship with known criminal

A Tasmania Police constable was alleged to have started a relationship with a suspected criminal under investigation, disclosed police information to him and misled superiors about it.Professional standards investigation documents obtained by the ABC show that it was recommended the probationary officer be reprimanded for 16 suspected breaches of the Police Service Act.She resigned before the matter was finalised, but police continued its investigation and confirmed the breaches.The uniformed constable was based at Launceston at the time. (ABC News: Ashleigh Barraclough)The matter was then forwarded to the Integrity Commission.Her identity, and the identity of the suspected criminal, would not be released by Tasmania Police under right to information laws.Tasmania Police was made aware of the alleged relationship in January 2025 when concerns were raised about the constable's safety "regarding an associate of hers".The initial police summary alleged the constable, a uniform officer based at Launceston, had obtained the man's mobile number and started a relationship.Her mobile phone number had also appeared as part of a law enforcement matter.She was told by a police inspector to stop all contact with the man and to block his number due to it being "a clear conflict of interest", but it is alleged the contact continued.Police started a professional standards investigation in March 2025.Officer told to 'cease all contact'A provisional report showed that an inspector raised the matter with the constable at the time, but she claimed she had only started interacting with the man in the past week and had "no knowledge of his criminal activity".She was told to "cease all contact", but a month later police received information that the constable was seen travelling in a vehicle with him.The constable denied this.The officer was told that her conduct was "a clear conflict of interest". (ABC News: Luke Bowden)"You told [a fellow inspector] you had picked him up one night during February 2025 and had, earlier that month, driven him home at his request and this was the last time you had seen him," the report reads."You confirmed you were still in contact with [him] on Instagram but denied using any other social media application to interact with him."The constable was again told to cease contact.The man's phone was seized a week later as part of a police investigation, and phone records allegedly showed the extent of their relationship."[They] indicated that you had been in frequent telephone contact with [him] in the period between 22 January and 1 March 2025 and had also spent time with him in person," the report reads.Officer resigns before investigation finalisedThe report shows the man was under active criminal investigation, intelligence was being gathered, he had a known criminal history including several lines of redacted recent charges and was of "dubious character".As part of the professional standards investigation, officers alleged the constable had turned off location services on her phone and "lied" about her whereabouts to her housemates, who were also serving police officers.Despite being advised by inspectors to cease contact, the constable allegedly travelled with the man from Launceston to Hobart and back again.It was also alleged the constable viewed the man's police intelligence holdings and disclosed police information to him.All 16 alleged breaches were provisionally confirmed, including bringing discredit on the service, failing to disclose or avoid a conflict of interest and failing to behave with honesty and integrity.In the provisional findings, Assistant Commissioner Adrian Bodnar said the constable's actions were "inconsistent with Tasmania Police values"."Your account provided in your interview with Professional Standards was self-serving, implausible and demonstrably untrue," it reads."Your comments demonstrate a lack of reflection and accountability for your choices."The officer resigned two weeks later, before it could proceed to a final determination."I appreciate the opportunity to have served the community and the support extended to me during my tenure," the resignation letter reads.No criminal offence identifiedA Tasmania Police spokesperson said the investigation was finalised and the 16 breaches were ultimately confirmed.The punishment of a reprimand was listed.The spokesperson said no criminal charges were laid against the former officer."Improper disclosure of police information can raise serious integrity, misconduct or potentially criminal considerations depending on the circumstances," they said."In this case, investigators assessed the available evidence and concluded no criminal offence had been identified."The alleged disclosure was considered and addressed through the Professional Standards and Code of Conduct process."When an officer is reprimanded, it appears on their conduct history and may have consequences for career progression.The police spokesperson said there are "extensive integrity safeguards"."Members are required to disclose associations that may create conflicts of interest, including associations with people involved in criminal activity," they said."Tasmania Police has established systems designed to identify, investigate and address such issues when they arise."It was one of 15 professional standards investigations over 12 months which were considered the highest category of seriousness.In one matter, a senior constable was stood down after being charged with assault over a domestic violence incident in a Sydney hotel lobby.The charge was withdrawn after prosecutors determined the complainant had made inaccurate statements, and the police officer had argued it was self-defence or defence of another person.He was reinstated.