In an effort to clarify the circumstances surrounding the police funeral for convicted sex offender Paul Reynolds, Donna Adams, Commissioner of Police for Tasmania, released a comprehensive statement detailing the oversight mechanisms involved. These included a Coronial Inquest, a Commission of Inquiry, the Weiss Independent Review, and the Integrity Commission. Each body examined the decision made in September 2018 to hold the funeral at the request of the Reynolds family, which was executed according to the protocols outlined in the Tasmania Police Manual.
The Integrity Commission assessed that the decision made by the then Commissioner of Police did not reach the threshold of misconduct, stating, “it was not so unreasonable as to constitute misconduct… Rather than being characterised as misconduct, it may be argued that the decision was an error of judgment.” This assessment highlights the complex nature of the decision-making process within police procedures during that time.
Changes Implemented Following Review
In October 2023, Tasmania Police took proactive steps to publicly address the controversy surrounding the police funeral. During this announcement, Commissioner Adams expressed a sincere apology to the victims, the Tasmanian community, and the members of the Tasmania Police. She acknowledged that the decision to hold the funeral was fundamentally incorrect.
As part of the changes initiated by Commissioner Adams, the Tasmania Police Manual has been revised to include a requirement for the Commissioner to consider any existing Professional Standards matters when deciding on the holding of a police funeral. This amendment aims to ensure that such decisions are made with greater scrutiny and sensitivity in the future.
The Weiss Independent Review, conducted by respected barrister Regina Weiss, was initiated to thoroughly understand the extent of Reynolds’ offending and to provide a platform for victims to share their experiences in a trauma-informed manner. This review also aimed to identify lessons for improvement within the Tasmania Police organization.
Prior to the Weiss Independent Review, adjustments had already been made to the criteria governing police funerals as outlined in the Tasmania Police Manual. The changes reflect a commitment to learning from past mistakes and enhancing the integrity of police practices.
The Tasmania Police’s handling of the situation underscores the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies. As Commissioner Adams stated, the aim is to prevent similar occurrences in the future by incorporating feedback and lessons learned into operational protocols.
