Queensland police officer charged with leaking domestic violence victim's address

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Every week an Australian woman is murdered by her current or former partner and Australian police are at the forefront of that crisis, responding to incidents of domestic violence every two minutes.

But this week a Queensland police officer was stood down from duty after being accused of leaking the address of a domestic violence complainant to her former partner.

Senior Constable Neil Punchard will face court next month after being charged with nine counts of computer hacking.

The Senior Constable allegedly accessed a confidential police database to look up the woman's details then allegedly passed them on to her former partner, who was subject to an ongoing domestic violence order.

If you're in an abusive situation, or know someone who is, call 1800 RESPECT — that's 1800 737 732.

Statement from the QLD Police Service:
The Queensland Police Service (QPS) conducted a review into a matter which led to further inquiries being conducted. As a result of this criminal investigation, an officer was issued with a Notice to Appear for nine counts of computer hacking.
The Queensland Police Service holds substantial intelligence and information holdings and takes information privacy very seriously. All members are required to adhere to QPS policy and procedures concerning the access to and use of this information. The QPS provides significant training to all members on the use and access to confidential information contained on QPS databases.
Training on the use of these databases commences with recruit training and continues throughout the member's service. Such training includes online learning products and face-to-face training on how to use the information contained in the databases. Breaches of QPS policy and procedures are subject to a robust internal investigation process. It would be inappropriate to comment further at this time due to matters before the court.

Source: abc.net.au