A senior police officer committed serious misconduct after repeatedly searching for a group of female social media influencers on his work device, the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) has found.
The watchdog released its findings into the investigation today, which followed a wider review of police devices for potentially pornographic or concerning material, prompted by revelations involving former deputy police commissioner Jevon McSkimming.
Carried out earlier this year, the review identified four cases requiring further investigation, with the IPCA overseeing each one.
According to the IPCA, the first investigation to be completed found a senior officer had conducted a large number of searches involving a small number of female influencers and social media accounts, both while on and off duty.
The searches were not initially considered pornographic but concerns centred on their "high volume" and the officer's repeated interest in particular accounts.
Cyber security investigators were brought in to collect evidence of the searches and material viewed.
Police determined the officer's sustained and repetitive searches breached police policy and its code of conduct, demonstrating poor judgement and a lack of professional boundaries. His actions were deemed serious misconduct.
Following a request from the officer, a further review of a sample of his searches identified images subsequently classified as pornographic, adult or mature content.
A subsequent employment process was carried out, with police confirming to 1News the officer remained employed by the organisation.
"The authority was satisfied with the police investigation and agrees with the outcome reached," the IPCA said.
Three other investigations remained under the watchdog's oversight.
The wider scrutiny of police devices followed revelations that former deputy commissioner McSkimming had accessed objectionable material using police-issued equipment.
McSkimming pleaded guilty to charges of possessing child exploitation and bestiality images last year, and was sentences to nine months home detention.
The scandal prompted police commissioner Richard Chambers to order a rapid review of the organisation's technology and security controls.
That review identified weaknesses in monitoring and governance, and recommended urgent changes to prevent staff accessing harmful content on police devices.
In the fallout, police investigated over 20 cases involving alleged misuse of work-issued devices, with 12 resolved through disciplinary action or performance management. Four people had resigned over the process.
The morning's headlines in 90 seconds, including why a summer of cyclones could be on the way, and 911 audio shows confusion in the wake of a botched execution. (Source: Breakfast)
SHARE ME