September 22, 2010
A GOLD Coast woman was able join the Queensland Police Service despite having received electric shock therapy for mental problems and taking months of sick leave in her previous job with Queensland Health.
Another now-disgraced Gold Coast police officer also managed to get his badge after being charged with hooning and speeding offences, including one while he was still at the police academy.
The recruiting slip-ups were highlighted today on Day 3 of the Crime and Misconduct Commission's Operation Tesco inquiry into Gold Coast police.
CMC barrister John Allen questioned QPS human resources director Patricia Jones about recruiting policies and standards.
He cited three 'case studies' of recruitments-gone-wrong, including two Gold Coast officers who have been adversely named at the inquiry.
One officer, codenamed G7, was arrested in January in a CMC raid on a Fortitude Valley apartment where 30 ecstasy pills, two bags of amphetamine and steroids were found.
The officer has admitted to taking ecstasy, dealing 'black market' steroids and improperly processing bouncer licence applications at a nightclub where he also received free drinks.
Mr Allen said the officer was suspended from the academy for 12 months after being caught speeding in excess of 40km/h, but was re-admitted after satisfying a review panel he was fit to continue training.
"I think there's many members of the Queensland Police Service who regret that he did,'' he said.
Mr Allen also cited the case of female officer, G5, who was caught on tape during the Operation Tesco investigation telling a male colleague she wanted to catch up 'for a giggle and a snort'.
The barrister revealed G5 had failed to disclose she had medical problems and had undergone electric shock treatment for psychiatric problems.
He said the woman, who took almost 12 months' sick leave while working at the Gold Coast Hospital, went on sick leave as soon as she became a constable.
Ms Jones said the woman had blatatly lied on her police job application.
She said she would welcome suggestions to improve recruiting practices but there were also significant barriers' including privacy legislation.
No comments:
Post a Comment