Weiss Independent Review

Release of Interim Report

Police Commissioner Donna Adams has today publicly released the interim report of the Weiss Independent Review into former police officer Paul Reynolds.  

In October 2023, Commissioner Adams appointed Ms Regina Weiss to undertake an independent review into Paul Reynolds as well as any allegations of child sex abuse by any other police officer. 

“Since 12 October last year, there has been a significant uptake since the call for submissions, covering a time period of more than 30 years,” Commissioner Adams said. 

“To date, in-person private sessions have been conducted in Hobart, Launceston, Devonport, Deloraine and Burnie, with more scheduled over the coming months.  

“I would like to acknowledge the bravery of those people who have already participated to date for their courage in sharing their lived experiences. Your courage in coming forward is deeply appreciated and valued.” 

“It is distressing to learn that a once-trusted member of Tasmania Police used his role to groom and abuse children as far back as 1988.  I am deeply sorry for the hurt and suffering you experienced, the on-going impact on you, and that you weren’t able to share your experiences before now.

“As Commissioner, one of my key aims is to build community confidence in our police service and that is why I believe this independent review is an important step forward in rebuilding trust,” she said. 

“I welcome Ms Weiss’ interim independent review report, which outlines general themes and does not include recommendations at this time. 

“However, it’s important to note that the independent reviewer has not advised me of any information relating to current offending or inappropriate sexual behaviour by a serving police officer or suspicions that a child in contact with a police officer may not be safe.  

The independent reviewer also acknowledges the extensive steps Tasmania Police had taken to address reporting gaps and improve accountability.  

The review is continuing. The final review report will be publicly released by the end of June 2024. 

“The final report will contain review outcomes and recommendations regarding policy and practise reforms for Tasmania Police.  

“Importantly, the final report will be de-identified to protect the identities of those who come forward.   

“I welcome any recommendations that will further improve Tasmania Police’s responses to ensure victim-survivors reporting sexual crimes continue to be treated with dignity and their reports are appropriately investigated and managed.” 

Commissioner Adams said that she continued to encourage anyone with information about Paul Reynolds to come forward and make a submission.  

“It’s important that anyone who has any information about child sexual abuse by Paul Reynolds or any police officer – whether that be information or suspicions about offending or inappropriate sexual behaviour – to please come forward and provide that information to the independent reviewer,” she said.   

“As Commissioner, I want to know so I can take the necessary action.  

“It’s important that everyone who wants to have a voice is heard so the independent review can be conducted as thoroughly as possible. 

“I would like to remind the community that this process is confidential, trauma-informed and managed at arm’s length from Tasmania Police by the independent reviewer.” 

Anyone who wishes to make a written submission or register interest in a private session can still do so and should email submissions@weissindependentreview.tas.gov.au 

More information, including the Weiss Independent Review interim report and actions Tasmania Police has implemented since the Commission of Inquiry, is available here: https://www.police.tas.gov.au/commission-of-inquiry/ 

Background

In October 2023, Commissioner Donna Adams announced an independent review into the conduct of now deceased police officer Paul Reynolds.

The Review is in response to the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government’s Responses to Child Abuse in Institutional Settings which found there were failings in the initial investigation into allegations of child sexual abuse, and the decision to hold a police funeral following his death in 2018.

Commissioner Adams appointed experienced Tasmanian-based barrister Ms Regina Weiss, to undertake a Review.

The Weiss Independent Review will assess whether Paul Reynolds used his position as a police officer to groom young people and commit child sexual abuse. The Review will also consider if there was any misconduct by police officers involved in the investigation of any allegations against Paul Reynolds.

All information proactively provided by Tasmania Police to the Commission of Inquiry has been provided to Ms Weiss for consideration.

Victim-survivors or members of the community are encouraged to report concerns or provide information regarding the behaviour of Paul Reynolds.

At the conclusion of the review, a report will be prepared by Ms Weiss that outlines the outcomes of the review including any misconduct findings and any recommendations regarding policy and practice reforms for Tasmania Police.

This report will be made public.

Terms of Reference

The objectives of the review are:

To assess the actions of Paul Reynolds whilst a serving police officer to determine if there has been criminal misconduct in his handling of matters reported to him or investigated by him during the course of his career.
To enable victim-survivors or members of the community to report concerns regarding the behaviour of Paul Reynolds.
To identify whether Paul Reynolds used his position as a police officer to groom young people and commit child sexual abuse.
To provide appropriate support to any victim-survivor that chooses to come forward.

To identify if there has been any misconduct by police officers involved in the investigation of any allegations against Paul Reynolds.
To identify organisational learnings.

Read the Terms of Reference:

Contact the Weiss Independent Review

It’s important that everyone who wants to have a voice is heard so the independent review can be conducted as thoroughly as possible. 

The process is confidential, trauma-informed and independent from Tasmania Police.  

Anyone who wishes to make a written submission or register interest in a private session can still do so and should email submissions@weissindependentreview.tas.gov.au.

Apology

Commissioner Adams has acknowledged that the decision to hold a police funeral for Paul Reynolds was wrong. In October 2023, Commissioner Adams sincerely apologised to those affected; victim-survivors, the Tasmanian community and members and staff of Tasmania Police.

Commissioner Adams said the Tasmania Police Manual has now been amended to include a requirement for the Commissioner of the day to consider any current Professional Standards matters as part of the decision-making process for holding a police funeral.

About the Independent Reviewer

Ms Regina 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 also 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.

Ms Weiss is highly regarded and suitably qualified to undertake this important independent review. This review will be extensive and is expected to take some months to complete in order to fully consider all information and evidence.

Commissioner Adams said that Tasmania Police had already begun implementing Commission recommendations including expanding the Professional Standards Family and Sexual Violence Involving Police Review Committee (which is already independently chaired) to include oversight of all sex offence allegations involving police members, reflecting our shift to become more trauma informed in how we respond to victims.

* If you or someone you know is impacted by sexual violence, please call the state-wide Sexual Assault Crisis Line 24/7 on 1800 697 877. If you or someone you know is impacted by family violence, please call the Family Violence Response and Referral Line 24/7 on 1800 633 937. In an emergency, always call 000.