Victoria
Police officer in Dezi Freeman search reinstated after drink driving
A Victoria Police officer who rear-ended a car while drink driving on duty has been allowed to keep his job.
A Victoria Police officer who was involved in the search for missing man Dezi Freeman has been reinstated to his role after returning a positive breath test for drink driving while on duty.
According to a wire report, the officer was allowed to keep his job following a Victoria Police disciplinary board hearing. The decision comes after an incident in September last year, when the officer rear-ended another vehicle while on duty.
Following the collision, the officer underwent a breath test and returned a blood alcohol reading of 0.07. The legal limit for standard drivers in Victoria is 0.05, and police officers are subject to strict professional standards regarding alcohol consumption.
The officer told the disciplinary board that he had consumed two very strong bourbon and cola drinks approximately three hours before the crash. Despite the on-duty collision and the positive breath test, the disciplinary board ruled that the officer could return to his duties.
The decision to reinstate the officer has drawn attention to the application of disciplinary standards within Victoria Police. Specific details regarding any conditions placed on the officer's reinstatement, or whether he faced separate traffic charges in court, have not been confirmed.
The officer had been part of the search efforts for Dezi Freeman, a high-profile missing person case that has drawn significant community interest and police resources.
Observers will be watching to see if the police command or the state government faces calls to review the disciplinary board's decision.
This report draws on original reporting by Wire report.
Dedicated to a Stronger Victoria.
A message from the editor, September
Every story here is free to read. Only readers keep it that way.
We take no government money, run no paywall, and answer to nobody in Spring Street. That independence is paid for by a small number of readers, not the many who benefit from it. If just one in a hundred of today's readers gave $8 a month, our Victorian politics coverage would be funded for the year.
- Funds reporting, not shareholders
- Cancel in one click, anytime
- Supporter badge and reply access
Prefer a one-off? Send a tip. It takes about twenty seconds.