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AAP
AAP
Ethan James

Independent review launched into alleged pedophile cop

A barrister will conduct a review of allegations a late police officer was a pedophile. (Rob Blakers/AAP PHOTOS)

An independent review has been launched into an alleged pedophile police officer who worked for a decade after accusations were first raised against him. 

Tasmania Police Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds took his own life in September 2018 while being investigated over child sexual allegations.

He was afforded a full guard-of-honour police funeral, despite the force knowing of the allegations against him.

Tasmania Police has in recent days reiterated an apology to abuse victim-survivors, saying the decision to grant the funeral was a mistake and one they regret.

A commission of inquiry, which released its final report in late September, found the force's approach in 2008 to investigating suspicions Snr Sgt Reynolds was a pedophile was "inadequate".

Tasmania Police on Friday announced an independent review would assess whether Snr Sgt Reynolds used his position to groom and abuse young people. 

The review will examine whether there was any criminal misconduct in his handling of matters reported to, or investigated by him during his career. 

There will be a particular focus on his tenure at Deloraine in the state's northwest and his role with prosecution services.

The review will also consider if there was any misconduct by police officers involved in investigating allegations against Snr Sgt Reynolds.

All information provided to the commission of inquiry will be provided to the review, to be headed by experienced barrister Regina Weiss. 

"It's critical that we learn from our past failings, and do whatever we can to ensure such serious allegations against a police officer are appropriately investigated," Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams said. 

The review will be made public once it is completed. 

"This (review) goes beyond the 191 recommendations of the (commission of inquiry)," Police Minister Felix Ellis said. 

"We want to not just meet but exceed their recommendations to make Tasmania the safest place in the world for children."

The commission of inquiry investigated responses to child sexual abuse allegations in Tasmania's health, education, justice and out-of-home care services. 

Their report said in 2008 an interstate police officer alleged he overheard a conversation at Tasmania's police academy involving two inspectors, which suggested then-Inspector Reynolds was a "pedophile". 

One inspector reportedly said he had visited Inspector Reynolds' home and saw him with a 15-year-old boy between his legs, giving him a massage. 

Another inspector reportedly said his wife had been approached by people in the community concerned about Inspector Reynolds' behaviour around young boys.

The inquiry found Tasmania Police should have invited the interstate officer to make a formal statement.

In correspondence with the then-deputy commissioner, the two inspectors suggested there had been a misinterpretation of their comments, the report said.

A coroner's report published in September said allegations against Snr Sgt Reynolds were made to police professional standards on September 6, 2018.

The allegations included Snr Sgt Reynolds being "widely reputed" in his local area to be a pedophile and that several children and adults had relevant information.

Wrap1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732)

National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028

Lifeline 13 11 14

beyondblue 1300 22 4636

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