NSW: Ryan facing difficulties in removing problem officers

AAP General News (Australia)
08-31-1999
NSW: Ryan facing difficulties in removing problem officers

An ombudsman report has found New South Wales police commissioner PETER RYAN is facing
serious difficulties dismissing problem officers.

The report cites one man remaining in the force despite stalking his ex-girlfriend.

NSW ombudsman IRENE MOSS says restrictive guidelines within the police service have tied
the Commissioner's hands despite his power to remove unsuitable officers.

Ms MOSS's report to NSW parliament recognises Mr RYAN's concerns that the so-called
confidence process has become too complex and legalistic.

Mr RYAN told the inquiry he would have removed a senior constable who was convicted of
stalking his former girlfriend had he known of the officer's previous misconduct.

The officer, who broke into the woman's home and improperly accessed her details on the
police information system, had already been complained about several times.



His previous misconduct included associating with criminals, improperly accessing and
releasing confidential information, using his brother's number plates on his own unregistered
and uninsured vehicle and inappropriate conduct towards women.

AAP RTV jw/sb/msk

KEYWORD: POLICE NSW (SYDNEY)

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