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Victoria Police face transvestite hooker scandal
Wednesday Feb 6 06:00 AEDT
By Adam Shand
ninemsn
A new sex and sleaze scandal is set to rock Victoria Police, which is already reeling from corruption allegations revealed in hearings of the Office of Police Integrity late last year.
ninemsn can reveal exclusively the OPI is investigating allegations that senior officers in a Melbourne suburban station are in corrupt relationships with transvestite prostitutes, who illegally work the streets.
ninemsn understands the OPI investigators have been interviewing a group of "talkative" junior officers from the station in question about allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct.
It's understood at least one senior male officer has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a transvestite prostitute.
ninemsn has also been told incriminating pictures exist that could severely embarrass Victoria Police, once regarded as Australia's cleanest force.
There have also been allegations of improper use of police vehicles and the cover-up of traffic incidents during unauthorised use of vehicles. Another police member's links with a legal brothel have also been probed by the OPI.
Police sources have told ninemsn that the OPI was considering holding hearings into the goings on at the police station, which has long been linked to corruption and crime allegations.
Meanwhile, retired Federal Court judge Murray Wilcox is tipped to table his report in the Victorian parliament on Thursday, recommending Victorian Police Association boss Paul Mullett be charged with perverting the course of justice.
Last November, the OPI probed a war of words between Mullett and Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon. Secret phone taps revealed leaks of sensitive information and allegations of improper interference in police investigations by union members.
It was alleged in OPI hearings that confidential information was passed to a police officer suspected of involvement in the contract slaying of a male prostitute in 2002.
An assistant commissioner, Noel Ashby, and a media director, Stephen Linnell, resigned from Victoria Police during the hearings.
It is understood Wilcox will recommend Ashby and Linnell be charged with misconduct while in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years jail.
Senior Sergeant Mullett, a serving officer, has been suspended on full pay, while another police media officer has been suspended. Meanwhile, Mullett is suing Nixon in the Federal Court, alleging improper interference in union matters.
The senior officers from the police station at the heart of the latest OPI probe are well-known to Mullett, having served with the union boss in the Armed Offenders Squad.
It is expected that Mullett and the union will vociferously support these members.
Some extremely colourful witnesses of indeterminate gender could take the stand if public hearings are called. Expect also the famously belligerent Mullett to unload on Chief Commissioner Nixon and the state government.
Mullett has told friends he will severely embarrass his accusers in force command and government.
Wednesday Feb 6 06:00 AEDT
By Adam Shand
ninemsn
A new sex and sleaze scandal is set to rock Victoria Police, which is already reeling from corruption allegations revealed in hearings of the Office of Police Integrity late last year.
ninemsn can reveal exclusively the OPI is investigating allegations that senior officers in a Melbourne suburban station are in corrupt relationships with transvestite prostitutes, who illegally work the streets.
ninemsn understands the OPI investigators have been interviewing a group of "talkative" junior officers from the station in question about allegations of corruption and sexual misconduct.
It's understood at least one senior male officer has been accused of having a sexual relationship with a transvestite prostitute.
ninemsn has also been told incriminating pictures exist that could severely embarrass Victoria Police, once regarded as Australia's cleanest force.
There have also been allegations of improper use of police vehicles and the cover-up of traffic incidents during unauthorised use of vehicles. Another police member's links with a legal brothel have also been probed by the OPI.
Police sources have told ninemsn that the OPI was considering holding hearings into the goings on at the police station, which has long been linked to corruption and crime allegations.
Meanwhile, retired Federal Court judge Murray Wilcox is tipped to table his report in the Victorian parliament on Thursday, recommending Victorian Police Association boss Paul Mullett be charged with perverting the course of justice.
Last November, the OPI probed a war of words between Mullett and Chief Commissioner Christine Nixon. Secret phone taps revealed leaks of sensitive information and allegations of improper interference in police investigations by union members.
It was alleged in OPI hearings that confidential information was passed to a police officer suspected of involvement in the contract slaying of a male prostitute in 2002.
An assistant commissioner, Noel Ashby, and a media director, Stephen Linnell, resigned from Victoria Police during the hearings.
It is understood Wilcox will recommend Ashby and Linnell be charged with misconduct while in public office, which carries a maximum sentence of 25 years jail.
Senior Sergeant Mullett, a serving officer, has been suspended on full pay, while another police media officer has been suspended. Meanwhile, Mullett is suing Nixon in the Federal Court, alleging improper interference in union matters.
The senior officers from the police station at the heart of the latest OPI probe are well-known to Mullett, having served with the union boss in the Armed Offenders Squad.
It is expected that Mullett and the union will vociferously support these members.
Some extremely colourful witnesses of indeterminate gender could take the stand if public hearings are called. Expect also the famously belligerent Mullett to unload on Chief Commissioner Nixon and the state government.
Mullett has told friends he will severely embarrass his accusers in force command and government.
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