IBAC’s investigation, Operation Turon, into allegations about the conduct of former Assistant Commissioner of Professional Standards Command, Brett Guerin, has recently concluded.
As part of Operation Turon, IBAC examined the outcomes of complaints made to Professional Standards Command that may have been adversely affected by bias on the part of Mr Guerin, and considered the adequacy of relevant Victoria Police policies relating to internet and social media use by Victoria Police employees.
IBAC’s investigation found no evidence of actual bias. Regardless of this, this behaviour risked damaging the integrity of, and confidence in, Victoria Police investigations.
IBAC has informed Victoria Police of the findings of this investigation, and identified opportunities for improvements in Victoria Police policies and practices.
No charges will be laid against Mr Guerin as while his conduct was generally offensive, it does not meet the standard of ‘offensive’ currently required to file charges under the Criminal Code.
IBAC is preparing a special report for the Victorian Parliament that will focus on leadership failures within Victoria Police, noting the important role senior leaders play in modelling the organisation’s values. The special report will draw on issues highlighted in this and other recent IBAC investigations that involve allegations of police misconduct and corruption by senior leaders within Victoria Police. The report is expected to be finalised in 2020.
