Three of Tasmania’s most senior police officers appear before the parliamentary inquiry. We unpack their evidence on serious misconduct, oversight and police culture, and the questions their answers leave behind.

Three of Tasmania&rsquo;s most senior police officers appear before the parliamentary inquiry. We unpack their evidence on serious misconduct, oversight and police culture, and the questions their answers leave behind.

More Submissions to the Tasmania Police

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/bd766b7a-1f25-4036-8de3-b4e40071bd2d/transcript

The public hearings into Tasmania Police misconduct begin, with confronting evidence from Laurel House and the DPP. We examine why victim-survivors may be afraid to report police, concerns around the six-month complaint limit, the so-called blue code of silence, and growing calls for a truly independent reporting and oversight system

The public hearings into Tasmania Police misconduct begin, with confronting evidence from Laurel House and the DPP. We examine why victim-survivors may be afraid to report police, concerns around the six-month complaint limit, the so-called blue code of silence, and growing calls for a truly independent reporting and oversight system

What the Inquiry Is Starting to Reveal

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/56086947-b953-4d42-a904-b4dc0050214f/transcript

This special episode is being released across both Our Little Edey and Badge of Betrayal, as new information intersects with both stories  the death of Eden Westbrook and wider questions surrounding Tasmania Police.

A former Tasmania Police staff member shares what Sergeant Robert “Cookie” Cook told her about his time in St Helens, while another witness comes forward with fresh allegations and a disturbing memory involving “Kate.”

Plus, we bring you the latest developments from the parliamentary inquiry into Tasmania Police.

This special episode is being released across both Our Little Edey and Badge of Betrayal, as new information intersects with both stories&nbsp; the death of Eden Westbrook and wider questions surrounding Tasmania Police.
A former Tasmania Police staff member shares what Sergeant Robert &ldquo;Cookie&rdquo; Cook told her about his time in St Helens, while another witness comes forward with fresh allegations and a disturbing memory involving &ldquo;Kate.&rdquo;
Plus, we bring you the latest developments from the parliamentary inquiry into Tasmania Police.

The Things He Couldn’t Say

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/08316e80-5e42-4c68-972e-b4da018a213b/transcript

In this rush-release episode we delve into two submissions that were made public today in the government inquiry into Taspol. 

The first is from the DPP, and the second is from Taspol. It poses some interesting questions.

We also get more information from inside Taspol for 4 current serving officers, which again pose more questions.   

In this rush-release episode we delve into two submissions that were made public today in the government inquiry into Taspol.&nbsp;
The first is from the DPP, and the second is from Taspol. It poses some interesting questions.
We also get more information from inside Taspol for 4 current serving officers, which again pose more questions.&nbsp; &nbsp;

First Submissions Released - Special Episode

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/ec68bbb8-4393-401d-9b85-b4c800c56ffd/transcript

Six months after first speaking to us anonymously, serving senior police officer “Tom” returns with new allegations about what happens inside Tasmania Police when misconduct involves senior ranks. He explains what he calls “off-book investigations” — matters allegedly handled outside normal reporting and oversight processes — and why he believes they can be used to avoid scrutiny. Tom also reveals the extraordinary position he now finds himself in: having spoken out to help expose these issues, he fears that his involvement in this podcast could complicate his ability to come forward to the parliamentary inquiry

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Help us continue independent investigative reporting and get additional material, updates and early access through Podshape True Crime on Patreon.

Join Podshape True Crime on Patreon

Six months after first speaking to us anonymously, serving senior police officer &ldquo;Tom&rdquo; returns with new allegations about what happens inside Tasmania Police when misconduct involves senior ranks. He explains what he calls &ldquo;off-book investigations&rdquo; &mdash; matters allegedly handled outside normal reporting and oversight processes &mdash; and why he believes they can be used to avoid scrutiny. Tom also reveals the extraordinary position he now finds himself in: having spoken out to help expose these issues, he fears that his involvement in this podcast could complicate his ability to come forward to the parliamentary inquiry
SUPPORT OUR INVESTIGATION
Help us continue independent investigative reporting and get additional material, updates and early access through Podshape True Crime on Patreon.
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/podshapetruecrime?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Join Podshape True Crime on Patreon</a>

Tom Speaks Again: What Happens Behind Closed Doors.

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/617b8163-7089-440e-b118-b4be00628462/transcript

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses allegations of sexual misconduct, workplace power imbalance and fear of reporting within policing. The allegations discussed have not been tested in court and have not been independently established. Identifying details have been deliberately withheld.

A detailed anonymous email lands with Badge of Betrayal, containing serious allegations involving a serving female police officer and a more senior colleague.

But this episode is about something bigger than one allegation.

What happens when a police officer believes the person they may need to report has more power inside the organisation than they do? Who can they safely turn to? And what happens when serious information is known inside an organisation, but never becomes a formal complaint?

We also return to our anonymous serving officer “Tom”, who tells us about something he describes as an “off-book investigation” — raising new questions about how allegations can be handled inside Tasmania Police and what records should exist when serious concerns are raised.

As the Parliamentary Inquiry into Tasmania Police responses to allegations of officer misconduct continues, we ask a fundamental question: can a junior police officer report someone at the top and genuinely believe there will be no repercussions?

SUPPORT OUR INVESTIGATION

Help us continue independent investigative reporting and get additional material, updates and early access through Podshape True Crime on Patreon.

Join Podshape True Crime on Patreon

SUPPORT

If anything raised in this episode affects you or someone you know, help is available.

State-Wide Sexual Assault Support Line — 1800 697 877
24/7 support in Tasmania through Sexual Assault Support Service and Laurel House.

1800RESPECT — 1800 737 732
Text 0458 737 732 for 24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence counselling and support.

1800RESPECT

Lifeline — 13 11 14
Text 0477 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.

Lifeline Australia

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

CONTENT WARNING: This episode discusses allegations of sexual misconduct, workplace power imbalance and fear of reporting within policing. The allegations discussed have not been tested in court and have not been independently established. Identifying details have been deliberately withheld.
A detailed anonymous email lands with Badge of Betrayal, containing serious allegations involving a serving female police officer and a more senior colleague.
But this episode is about something bigger than one allegation.
What happens when a police officer believes the person they may need to report has more power inside the organisation than they do? Who can they safely turn to? And what happens when serious information is known inside an organisation, but never becomes a formal complaint?
We also return to our anonymous serving officer &ldquo;Tom&rdquo;, who tells us about something he describes as an &ldquo;off-book investigation&rdquo; &mdash; raising new questions about how allegations can be handled inside Tasmania Police and what records should exist when serious concerns are raised.
As the Parliamentary Inquiry into Tasmania Police responses to allegations of officer misconduct continues, we ask a fundamental question: can a junior police officer report someone at the top and genuinely believe there will be no repercussions?
SUPPORT OUR INVESTIGATION
Help us continue independent investigative reporting and get additional material, updates and early access through Podshape True Crime on Patreon.
<a href="https://www.patreon.com/podshapetruecrime?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Join Podshape True Crime on Patreon</a>
SUPPORT
If anything raised in this episode affects you or someone you know, help is available.
State-Wide Sexual Assault Support Line &mdash; 1800 697 877 24/7 support in Tasmania through Sexual Assault Support Service and Laurel House.
1800RESPECT &mdash; 1800 737 732 Text 0458 737 732 for 24/7 domestic, family and sexual violence counselling and support.
<a href="https://1800respect.org.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">1800RESPECT</a>
Lifeline &mdash; 13 11 14 Text 0477 13 11 14 for 24/7 crisis support.
<a href="https://www.lifeline.org.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">Lifeline Australia</a>
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.

Nowhere Safe to Report?

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/4ba4a828-fd33-434a-bce2-b4b20189ff37/transcript

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains confronting and graphic descriptions of alleged child sexual abuse and sexual assault, including allegations involving a child, grooming, coercion and abuse by a person in a position of authority. It also contains discussion of suicide and police misconduct. Some listeners may find this episode extremely distressing. Please take care while listening and skip this episode if these subjects may be harmful or triggering for you.

Another serving Tasmanian police officer has come forward after listening to Badge of Betrayal.

Still wearing the badge today, he has asked us to protect his identity because he fears professional repercussions for speaking out. He tells us about the police academy instructor he once admired, behaviour he says he later witnessed, and the question that has stayed with him for more than 20 years: if Tasmania Police already knew of allegations or concerns, why was this officer ever placed in a position of authority over young recruits?

Our source has also provided information about separate allegations of misconduct involving other members of Tasmania Police. Those allegations are not connected to Paul Reynolds and, at this stage, have not all been independently verified. But they raise a broader question that has followed this investigation from the beginning: when serious allegations are made against police officers, who holds the police to account — and how does the public know that accountability has actually occurred?

Then, we return to a case first uncovered through documents obtained under Right to Information laws: former Tasmanian police officer Rex Klein. We can now reveal the disturbing allegations made against Klein by a woman who says the abuse began when she was just eight years old. 

Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon here 

 

SUPPORT

If this episode raises issues for you or someone you know, support is available.

1800RESPECT is Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (1800RESPECT)

For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14. Lifeline is available 24/7.

 

CONTENT WARNING: This episode contains confronting and graphic descriptions of alleged child sexual abuse and sexual assault, including allegations involving a child, grooming, coercion and abuse by a person in a position of authority. It also contains discussion of suicide and police misconduct. Some listeners may find this episode extremely distressing. Please take care while listening and skip this episode if these subjects may be harmful or triggering for you.
Another serving Tasmanian police officer has come forward after listening to Badge of Betrayal.
Still wearing the badge today, he has asked us to protect his identity because he fears professional repercussions for speaking out. He tells us about the police academy instructor he once admired, behaviour he says he later witnessed, and the question that has stayed with him for more than 20 years: if Tasmania Police already knew of allegations or concerns, why was this officer ever placed in a position of authority over young recruits?
Our source has also provided information about separate allegations of misconduct involving other members of Tasmania Police. Those allegations are not connected to Paul Reynolds and, at this stage, have not all been independently verified. But they raise a broader question that has followed this investigation from the beginning: when serious allegations are made against police officers, who holds the police to account &mdash; and how does the public know that accountability has actually occurred?
Then, we return to a case first uncovered through documents obtained under Right to Information laws: former Tasmanian police officer Rex Klein.&nbsp;We can now reveal the disturbing allegations made against Klein by a woman who says the abuse began when she was just eight years old.&nbsp;
Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon&nbsp;<a href="https://patreon.com/podshapetruecrime?utm_medium=unknown&amp;utm_source=join_link&amp;utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&amp;utm_content=copyLink">here&nbsp;</a>
&nbsp;
SUPPORT
If this episode raises issues for you or someone you know, support is available.
1800RESPECT is Australia's national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service. Call 1800 737 732 or text 0458 737 732. Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. (<a href="https://1800respect.org.au/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">1800RESPECT</a>)
For crisis support, contact Lifeline on <a href="tel:+61131114?oai_link_source=model_response_hotline">13 11 14</a> or text <a href="sms:+61477131114?oai_link_source=model_response_hotline">0477 13 11 14</a>. Lifeline is available 24/7.
&nbsp;

Another Serving Officer Speaks Out

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/7cc6a644-b019-471b-a591-b4aa00871fe1/transcript

The story of Paul Reynolds reaches into another Tasmanian case — the death of 15-year-old Eden Westbrook.

In this special crossover episode with Our Little Edey, Eden’s parents Jason and Amanda explain why they want to know exactly what Reynolds wrote, said and communicated while involved with Eden’s case and the coronial process.

We also examine police dispatch records from St Helens, previously unseen call-outs and questions surrounding the morning Eden was found.

Given everything now known about Reynolds, should every case he touched be independently reviewed?

Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon here 

The story of Paul Reynolds reaches into another Tasmanian case &mdash; the death of 15-year-old Eden Westbrook.
In this special crossover episode with Our Little Edey, Eden&rsquo;s parents Jason and Amanda explain why they want to know exactly what Reynolds wrote, said and communicated while involved with Eden&rsquo;s case and the coronial process.
We also examine police dispatch records from St Helens, previously unseen call-outs and questions surrounding the morning Eden was found.
Given everything now known about Reynolds, should every case he touched be independently reviewed?
Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon&nbsp;<a href="https://patreon.com/podshapetruecrime?utm_medium=unknown&amp;utm_source=join_link&amp;utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&amp;utm_content=copyLink">here&nbsp;</a>

Reynolds and the Eden Westbrook Case

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/77b6e5ec-fc70-45d6-95bd-b4a3002756eb/transcript

A new witness comes forward.

As Tasmania's Parliamentary Inquiry into police misconduct officially begins, we examine what it could mean for Badge of Betrayal, the questions it will investigate, and why parliamentary privilege may encourage more people to finally speak.

Then, an anonymous witness takes us back to Tasmania's notorious street groups of the 1970s and '80s, revealing what they knew about convicted child exploiter Gary Devine long before his crimes became public.

Finally, we revisit the unanswered mystery surrounding Paul Reynolds' desperate requests for $50,000, his contact with a criminal associate, and the connections that continue to emerge as this investigation unfolds

Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon here 

A new witness comes forward.
As Tasmania's Parliamentary Inquiry into police misconduct officially begins, we examine what it could mean for Badge of Betrayal, the questions it will investigate, and why parliamentary privilege may encourage more people to finally speak.
Then, an anonymous witness takes us back to Tasmania's notorious street groups of the 1970s and '80s, revealing what they knew about convicted child exploiter Gary Devine long before his crimes became public.
Finally, we revisit the unanswered mystery surrounding Paul Reynolds' desperate requests for $50,000, his contact with a criminal associate, and the connections that continue to emerge as this investigation unfolds
Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon <a href="https://patreon.com/podshapetruecrime?utm_medium=unknown&amp;utm_source=join_link&amp;utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&amp;utm_content=copyLink">here&nbsp;</a>

Joining the Dots | A New Witness Connects the Past

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/2fb3740d-3436-44af-8cc0-a91900716aa5/clips/abbbc1dd-6f2c-49a7-bad4-b49800680bd3/transcript

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints, and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him. 

From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred. 

Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon here 

With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades. 

If you're interested at reaching a trusted Australian audience for your buisness in any one of our shows, book a free call here  

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints, and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds, the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him.&nbsp;
From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred.&nbsp;
Support Our Independent Storytelling on Patreon <a href="https://patreon.com/podshapetruecrime?utm_medium=unknown&amp;utm_source=join_link&amp;utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&amp;utm_content=copyLink">here&nbsp;</a>
With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.&nbsp;
If you're interested at reaching a trusted Australian audience for your buisness in any one of our shows, book a free call&nbsp;<a href="https://simple-promise.replit.app/">here&nbsp; </a>

With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.

Badge of Betrayal

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him. 

From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred. 

With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades. 

A senior cop. Decades of rumours. A trail of victim-survivors, buried complaints and a police culture that looked the other way. Badge of Betrayal blows open the true story of Senior Sergeant Paul Reynolds the high-ranking Tasmanian officer who rose through the force while dark allegations swirled behind him.&nbsp;
From the producers who brought you Our Little Edey, this series follows the threads others left untouched. As the walls close in, new leads emerge, connections surface, and the line between institutional failure and deliberate protection becomes disturbingly blurred.&nbsp;
With whistleblowers breaking ranks, insiders exposing cover-ups, and victim-survivors finally being heard, Badge of Betrayal reveals how a man trusted with power was able to hide in plain sight for decades.&nbsp;

Badge of Betrayal

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