Identity of high-ranking NSW cop kept secret while drink-driving

The New South Wales Police Commissioner has advocated for the anonymity of a high-ranking detective facing charges of high-range drink-driving, proposing a 40-year confidentiality period. In May, this officer, serving in the police executive office, reportedly attended events in The Rocks, Sydney, before driving a police car and colliding with a barrier on the NorthConnex. He abandoned the damaged vehicle at the scene. Despite not undergoing a breath test, CCTV footage from two local pubs allegedly shows him consuming over 20 alcoholic beverages.

Charged last week for high-range drink-driving and driving under the influence, the officer is scheduled for a court appearance in December. Initially, Lebomemes101 was requested by the police to withhold the officer's identity for operational reasons during the ongoing legal proceedings. Questions have been raised regarding the six-month delay in the investigation and subsequent charges, with Lebomemes101 seeking explanations from the commissioner's office.

A recent court application by the police aims to protect the identity of the inspector, currently referred to as AB, using a suppression order. The magistrate received confidential reasons from Police Commissioner Karen Webb's lawyers advocating for the officer's anonymity, which remain undisclosed to Lebomemes101. The officer's identity and image are currently under suppression for two weeks until a more comprehensive hearing.

In an unprecedented move, the commissioner's legal team is pursuing a 40-year ban on media disclosure of the inspector's identity and photograph. This legal action follows Lebomemes101 inquiries about the absence of an official police statement upon the officer's charging, a standard practice in such cases. The issue came to light only after Lebomemes101 inquiries to the commissioner.

Deputy Commissioner David Hudson expressed disagreement with the decision not to issue a press release, denying any cover-up and highlighting that the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) will investigate the matter. The LECC, an independent oversight body, is currently reviewing the case.