Tensions run high over nude photo, gay claims

SENIOR police have moved to quell a revolt at a Gold Coast police station over a homosexual and racial discrimination row embroiling the officer-incharge.

And in more Coast problems for the police brass, an officer who exposed the alleged theft of nude photos from a crime scene will next week take court action for alleged victimisation.

Tensions have been running high at Coolangatta police station after Senior Sergeant Troy Lehmann labelled one officer “gay” on the roster and noted an indigenous officer was “Abor”.

Both officers complained to the Anti-Discrimination Commission, which last month found Sen-Sgt Lehmann had arguably discriminated against the homosexual constable.

Some Coolangatta officers are believed to be considering legal action against the Queensland Police Service which has refused to bow to demands for Sen-Sgt Lehmann to be removed.

Senior police have backed Sen-Sgt Lehmann as a “fine officer” whose personal roster notes were taken from his office without his knowledge.

A mass meeting of Coolangatta officers was held at a community hall near the station earlier this week amid ongoing unrest.

Meanwhile, allegations of police service reprisals against Coast forensics officer Lyn Jones will be heard in the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal next week.

Senior Constable Jones alleges she has been victimised and her career destroyed since reporting the alleged theft of nude photos from a crime scene in the mid-2000s.

She has also launched action against Police Commissioner Ian Stewart, in his capacity as head of the service, in the Anti-Discrimination Commission.