HUNTER Valley's Hope Estate has been revealed as the manufacturer of bottles of 'Commissioner's Gin', which have landed NSW Police Force Commissioner Karen Webb in hot water.
An investigation into claims the state's top cop bought alcohol with taxpayer funds has cleared her of serious misconduct, however stated she should have disclosed her association with the supplier.
In a statement released on Friday, Commissioner Webb said she was not aware before the first order was placed that the manufacturer was Hope Estate.
"I fully accept that at the time I became aware, I should have declared my association to the Hope family," she said.
The bottles of limited-edition Commissioner's Gin, a custom-labelled spirit produced by a friend, were purchased after her appointment to the job in 2022.
The Law Enforcement Conduct Commission received an anonymous complaint that Commissioner Webb failed to declare a conflict of interest over the purchase of 50 bottles of gin.
The police watchdog released findings late on Wednesday which found it was satisfied the purchase was in line with policies and procedures.
On Thursday, Commissioner Webb advised NSW Police Minister Yasmin Catley that her office would no longer distribute bottles of Commissioner's Gin.
"Following a review of stock and of the gift register in the last 24 hours, I can confirm 32 bottles have been distributed as gifts or donated for charity purposes," Commissioner Webb said.
"I have asked that the remaining 18 bottles be donated to Police Legacy for fundraising purposes."
In the statement, Commissioner Webb confirmed a second order of 50 bottles was identified that had not yet been paid for.
She said those bottles will be returned and the process is already under way.
"I have also asked for a comprehensive review of the NSW Police Force gift policies, and I expect this review to be completed in the coming weeks," she said.
"I would like to reiterate that the purchase of alcohol for ceremonial gifts and charitable donations was a tradition I continued as Commissioner, continuing with the same supplier as previously used."
On Wednesday night, the commissioner quashed "completely false" claims made under parliamentary privilege that the bottles were bought for personal and staff use.
"I have always acted honestly and in the best interest of the NSW Police Force and the people of NSW," she said.
Her office later confirmed in a statement Ms Webb had decided to cease the practice of using taxpayers' money to buy alcohol for gifts and hospitality.
