Vic: Police face new database scandal

AAP General News (Australia)
02-12-2004
Vic: Police face new database scandal

Police are investigating whether officers have improperly accessed confidential information
about the man charged over the bashing death of cricketer DAVID HOOKES.

Melbourne's The Age newspaper says a police audit has found up to 35 officers used
a police computer to check information about ZDRAVKO MICEVIC, the man charged with manslaughter
over the death of HOOKES.

HOOKES died on January the 19th after he was allegedly punched by MICEVIC outside a
Melbourne hotel.

The paper says police who can't give legitimate reasons for accessing the files face the sack.

The new files probe comes a week after a report by acting Ombudsman ROBERT SEAMER found
some police had an improper attitude towards accessing personal information on the database.

Five officers were disciplined last year for inappropriately accessing the file of
victims' rights campaigner and political candidate KAY NESBIT before the 2002 state election.

AAP RTV mf/lma

KEYWORD: FILES HOOKES (MELBOURNE)

2004 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.