Cop’s uncertain future
Police confirm internal inquiry
QUEENSLAND Police have declined to comment about the future of a Gold Coast trail bike officer acquitted of dangerous driving during a 12minute pursuit of a moped.
But police confirmed an internal disciplinary investigative process into the actions of Sergeant Peter Venz was ongoing.
Sgt Venz was last week acquitted of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle after a fourday trial into a moped chase that started in Mermaid Waters about 4pm on June 9, 2020.
Magistrate John Mcinnes also ordered police pay $21,000 to Sgt Venz for legal costs.
It was alleged Sgt Venz was on a police trail bike when he pursued a moped on Oceanic Dr. He had been tasked to the area after a dog squad officer reported the riders of the moped yelled abuse at his home on multiple occasions.
Sgt Venz told the court the officer told him the moped riders had threatened to kill him.
It was alleged Sgt Venz rode dangerously during the pursuit. The riders of the moped refused to stop for him.
Footage played to the court showed the chase going on to a footpath at a construction site, the wrong way down a oneway street, cutting off an Audi on Hedges Ave and through Tallebudgera Tourist Park.
Sgt Venz was stood down by police after being charged.
Queensland Police Union spokesman Andy Williams said after the acquittal: “Nobody should face a criminal charge for simply doing their job.”
The Bulletin asked Queensland Police about Sgt Venz returning to active duty and if any internal disciplinary action would take place.
The Bulletin also asked: “How can officers be confident they won’t face criminal charges for performing their duties?”
A police spokesman replied: “As there are ongoing Queensland Police Service internal disciplinary investigative processes to be completed it would be inappropriate to provide any further comment.”
The Bulletin also asked what training officers received in relation to police pursuits.
The spokesman said: “Gold Coast Police officers were required to take part in compulsory training in relation to the Queensland Police Service Safe Driving Policy which has now been completed statewide. The Gold Coast Police District is planning to complete further refresher training.”