Bendigo: Victoria Police staffer’s arrest prompts forensic evidence review of dozens of cases

Dozens of active court cases are under the microscope after the arrest of a police crime command worker.

The justice system drama was sparked by a staff member of Victoria Police’s Crime Command being arrested on August 5 over an internal investigation.

The force confirmed on Wednesday it was working with State and Commonwealth prosecutors on current investigations and court matters linked to the forensic data specialist.

It has identified 77 active court matters that must have forensic data re-assessed, with 46 of 52 so far requiring data re-extraction and analysis by the Cybercrime Squad.

The ABC has reported the staff member is a digital forensics officer based in Bendigo and the audit could affect up to 600 cases, including child abuse and sexual offences.

The worker has been suspended with pay, with the internal police probe still ongoing.

“The overall assessment process remains ongoing,” Victoria Police said.

“As the investigation also remains ongoing we will not be commenting further at this time.”

Opposition Leader Brad Battin said he wanted a formal briefing from the State government on the matter when asked if an external review was needed.

“Our priority is to ensure that victims are protected and that anyone who has committed serious sexual offences in Victoria is kept behind bars, whatever that takes,” he told reporters.

“We’ve already seen under the previous Labor government with Lawyer X what happens when you effectively oversee some of the biggest issues that we saw with Victoria Police in the past.”

The Victorian government has been contacted for comment.