Tasmania Police has today announced it will engage an independent reviewer to investigate matters relating to Paul Reynolds while he was a serving police officer.
The review will assess the actions of Paul Reynolds to determine if there has been criminal misconduct in his handling of matters reported to him or investigated by him, and whether he used his position of power to groom young people and commit child sexual abuse during the course of his career. This will include while he was stationed at the Deloraine Division and in Prosecution Services.
The review will also identify if there has been any misconduct by police officers involved in the investigation of any allegations against Paul Reynolds.
Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, Felix Ellis, said the Tasmanian Government strongly supports the Independent Review.
“Government institutions, including Tasmania Police, must work to rebuild the trust of victim survivors and the community and we have been clear we will take strong action in response to the Commission of Inquiry,” Minister Ellis said.
“As Minister for Police, Fire and Emergency Management, I am committed to rebuilding this trust and leaving no stone left unturned as part of this work.
“That begins with ensuring that this matter is appropriately and independently reviewed to ensure that the circumstances surrounding Mr Reynolds never happen again.
“This investigation goes beyond the 191 recommendations of the COI. We want to not just meet but exceed their recommendations to make Tasmania the safest place in the world for children.
“Keeping children safe is our highest priority.
“Holding a police funeral for Paul Reynolds was the wrong decision. I welcome Tasmania Police taking immediate steps to amend its Police Funeral policies to ensure this never happens again.
The Independent Review will be undertaken by Ms Regina Weiss of the Tasmanian Bar.
Ms Weiss commenced her legal career in Tasmania as Associate to the Honourable Chief Justice Alan Blow, before becoming a Federal Prosecutor and moving to The Hague prosecuting war crimes and crimes against humanity at the International Criminal Court.
From 2016-2021, Ms Weiss led the legal teams of Federal Government agencies Sport Integrity Australia, the Australian Sports Anti-doping Authority and the Australian Commission for Law Enforcement Integrity.
Ms Weiss has conducted various reviews into allegations of historical abuse in sport as independent counsel, acts for plaintiffs in institutional abuse matters and advocates human rights globally.
“This investigation will provide opportunities for members of the public to provide information or report concerns regarding the actions of Paul Reynolds,” Minister Ellis said.
“I urge members of the public to come forward with any information. You will be listened to and supported.”
Minister Ellis said the final report will be made public.
