cop it sweet

I have a good and pertinent question to ask today. In fact a number of questions. Number One:  What is happening with the Police Ethical Standards Department investigation into an accident back in January involving a member of Police Command, Superintendent Greg Linsdell?

He has a big and important job in Victoria Police. Officer in Charge of Recruit Training.

Before I get to my other questions about an accident involving Linsdell and a police vehicle on January 18 you need some background.

A small story, by Geoff Wilkinson, did appear in the Herald Sun ten days later under the innocuous headline Traffic Probe For Cop. But the story seemed to concentrate on Linsdell’s achievements – like being a member of the Police team that climbed Mount Everest and how he helped raise funds for the Make A Wish foundation. It read like a CV.

The story quoted a police spokeswoman as saying the car suffered only minor damage and she would  not comment on suggestions that the police car was later reported stolen.

But there was more. Much more. And the Police comment smelt like a cover-up. From Police sources I have learned the following:

On Wednesday, January, 18 at 11.30 at night Linsdell driving Police vehicle TLM 975 was travelling city bound along the Western Port Freeway at Skye when it left the road and collided with a light pole and speed sign.

Linsdell left the scene of the accident on foot. And that raises the question was he scared of being breathalysed? I mean, if it were such a minor accident why didn’t he remain at the scene until Police arrived?

There’s possible charge Number One: leaving the scene of an accident.

He did not report the accident. It wasn’t until 6a.m. next day that Linsdell, the driver, was located at his home. He refused to cooperate with investigators. There is a strong report that he slammed the door in their faces. Remember, this a senior member of Police Command.

When asked where the Police vehicle was Linsdell replied: In the driveway. When told the vehicle had been involved in an accident he reported it as stolen. After being confronted with additional facts he withdrew the “stolen car” claim.

Charge Number Two: Making a false report.

Another question. Did he have authority to use the Police vehicle? And if he did surely it would have been for transportation between the Police Academy and his home.  Not to be driven by a man, possibly under the influence of alcohol, close to midnight at Skye.

And as for the “minor damage” – I am told the vehicle has been written off.

One former policeman told me that rank and file policemen and women are appalled and disillusioned. That an officer in charge of Recruit Training must possess outstanding ethical standards, honesty and integrity.

Superintendent Linsdell let all those things go out the window that night.

Tuesday, February 14, 2004

©Copyright Derryn Hinch 2006