The Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) has completed its investigation into allegations of possible police misconduct, corrupt conduct and criminal conduct, including perjury relating to Operation Bravo Vista, the Queensland Police Service’s (QPS) investigation into the disappearance of Daniel Morcombe and subsequent evidence given at the Coronial Inquest.
In December 2016, the CCC received and assessed multiple allegations and referred them to the QPS Ethical Standards Command (ESC) to deal with, subject to the CCC’s monitoring role.
As a result of the inquiries made by ESC and additional information provided to the CCC, the CCC determined in September 2017 to assume responsibility for the investigation of some of the allegations.
During the CCC’s investigation, further information was received which contained fresh allegations against QPS officers.
These allegations were included in the CCC’s investigation. CCC investigators examined a large volume of electronic data obtained from the QPS and Public Safety Business Agency (PSBA), QPS diary entries and emails, audit reports from QPS computer systems, conducted 35 interviews (with current and former police officers from the QPS and interstate jurisdictions) and reviewed interviews conducted by the ESC during their original investigation.
Some of the electronic data required by the CCC was from several years ago and needed to be restored by the QPS/PSBA before it could be examined. The CCC has also examined exhibits and transcripts from the Coronial Inquest, and evidence given at the Committal hearing and the pre-trial hearing of the charges against Brett Peter Cowan.
Based on all the material examined and the broader investigation, the CCC has determined there is insufficient grounds for the consideration of any criminal prosecution or disciplinary proceedings in relation to the allegations.
The CCC agreed with a recommendation by the Ethical Standards Command that guidance be provided to an officer by a senior officer around the appropriate way of responding to sensitive media questions.
The CCC has notified the complainant, QPS ESC, the Coroner and other parties of its decision.
The CCC will take no further action in regards to these allegations.
ENDS
