FIVE FINGERS & A FUNERAL

Coast cop accused of receiving morgue kickbacks

A GOLD Coast police officer is under investigation for allegedly taking kickbacks from funeral home directors and interfering with bodies at the morgue of a hospital. The Ethical Standards Command probe includes allegations the female officer took money and gifts from funeral home directors to refer families of deceased to their business. The officer is also accused of removing things from bodies, including cutting a lock of a deceased woman’s hair to send to her family overseas, which is against Queensland Police policy. The officer has been removed from the hospital and is working under supervision elsewhere.

A GOLD Coast police officer is under investigation for allegedly taking kickbacks from funeral home directors and interfering with bodies at the morgue of a hospital.

The police probe includes allegations the female officer took money and gifts from funeral home directors to refer families of deceased to their business, while she worked at a morgue.

It is also alleged the officer removed things from bodies, including cutting a lock of a deceased woman’s hair to send to her family overseas.

The investigation was prompted by a Queensland Coroner concerned about activities at the morgue, although the Coroners Court of Queensland declined to comment on the matter.

The officer had access to the morgue and families of the deceased as part of her work.

No charges have been laid against the officer. She has been moved on from the hospital and is working under supervision in another role on the Coast, while the investigation is ongoing.

Late yesterday afternoon the Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) told the Gold Coast Bulletin it looked into the allegations and had handed the matter back to police, for the Ethical Standards Command to investigate, with the CCC to monitor the case.

“The CCC can confirm it was notified by the Queensland Police Service about allegations relating to an officer from the Gold Coast District,” the spokesman said.

“This matter has been assessed by the CCC. It was determined to refer this matter back to the QPS to deal with, subject to the CCC’s monitoring role.

“It is important to note all allegations should be treated as unsubstantiated until a final outcome is reached.”

A police spokeswoman confirmed they were aware of the allegations and had referred the investigation on to the CCC.

“The officer has been redeployed to a different work area,” the spokeswoman said.

“The role is currently being fulfilled by another suitably qualified officer from the district.

“There is no impact on service delivery.”

LNP Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said she was appalled by the allegations.

“To think that grieving families could be being taken advantage of in hospitals makes me feel sick,” Ms Bates said.

“I would be heartbroken if this happened to a member of my family and is the last thing someone at their most vulnerable needs.

“Given the damning coroner’s report by the Auditor General last week, this is just another example of how the Palaszczuk Government is failing Queenslanders.”