A Northern Territory Police Officer has been served a notice of 'public interest' dismissal under section 78 of the Police Administration Act for drink driving in a police vehicle.

The 33-year-old officer was issued an infringement notice after returning a positive alcohol reading (0.052) at approximately 11am on Wednesday 10 March 2010 in Tennant Creek.

Following the standard disciplinary proceedings under section 79 of the Police Administration Act, the Commissioner has taken into account the written response of the Officer, resulting in the dismissal notice being served today.

NT Police Commissioner John McRoberts said his position on Police Officers drink driving in police vehicles has been internally and publicly made clear since his appointment,

"Police Officers hold a special position in the community and enforce laws designed to keep people safe. To ensure public confidence in police is maintained, our officers are obliged to abide by those laws.

"I have made my position on this very clear and I simply cannot find it acceptable for a Police Officer to be drink driving in a tax payer funded police vehicle." Commissioner McRoberts concluded.

No further information will be released with regards to this particular case while it potentially remains subject to appeal under section 94(1) of the Police Administration Act.


Media contact:
Katie Fowden
0401 116 54