An interim report released by an independent reviewer has shed light on the ‘disturbing child abuse techniques’ used by Tasmania police officer Paul Reynolds.
Reviewer Regina Weiss described the accounts of grooming and abuse from victim-survivors, their families and observers as “harrowing, shocking and devastating”.
“The betrayal of trust felt by so many is evident. What is also shocking is that Paul Reynolds’ conduct continued for over three decades despite it being known or suspected that Paul Reynolds was, at the very least, interacting inappropriately with teenage boys,” Weiss said in her report.
Reynolds himself was characterised as “charismatic” and “larger than life” – but he was also someone who “groomed his victims, their parents and the small communities they lived in”.
Reynolds was a “once-respected police officer” within the community who coached football, umpired basketball and at the time of his death, was the North Tasmanian Football Association President.
The report highlights a “culture of silence” within the Tasmania policing community, making it difficult for victims to speak out about Reynolds’ actions.
“Who would believe me?”, said a victim-survivor from over 30 years ago, while another historical victim-survivor said “I wouldn’t even have known who I could report to. Who polices the police?”
“What is clear from the accounts of former and serving police officers is that the shock reverberates throughout the Tasmania Police community,” Weiss said.
“It shows the dark side of those people in our community who use their position of trust and power to groom and abuse children and young people.”
Weiss said it was “important to note and acknowledge” the courage and dedication of the many police officers who serve the Tasmanian community, risking their lives to protect others and taking pride in their work.
“The conduct of Paul Reynolds must not overshadow the noble contribution so many Tasmanian police officers have made, and continue to make, to our community,” she said.
Weiss encouraged victim-survivors, their families, observers, bystanders, former and serving police officers and any other person who wishes to be heard to come forward.
Tasmania Police Commissioner Donna Adams expressed her regret for the abuse that occurred and said that the interim report aimed to highlight emerging themes, with recommendations to come later this year.
“It is distressing to learn that a once trusted member of Tasmania Police used his role to groom and abuse children as far back as 1988,” Adams said.
“I am deeply sorry for the hurt and suffering you experienced, the ongoing impact and that you weren’t able to share your experiences before now.”
“The review is ongoing, so it’s not appropriate to comment further at this stage, however I look forward to receiving the final review report which will be publicly released by the end of June 2024.”
Reynolds died by suicide in September 2018 after allegations of child exploitation material and grooming emerged.
If you need someone to talk to, you can call:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- QLife on 1800 184 527
