Crime Statistics Controversy
Currently there is an ongoing Ombudsman investigation into allegations that Overland willingly aided in selectively releasing crime statistics to help make the former Labor-based Brumby government appear more favourable to voters when law and order was considered a major political issue.
At present the Ombudsman, George Brouwer, is investigating the interaction between the former government and senior police figures ahead of the release of the crime statistics on 28 October 2010. Even though the Ombudsman’s report is still incomplete, it is expected to be critical of the relationship between the Brumby government and police force.
Overland resigned on 16 June 2011, a few hours after the release of a report from the Ombudsman, which criticised the 'misleading' crime statistics he published. It was revealed that he had had a discussion the previous night with the Police Minister, Peter Ryan, who indicated to him that, if he were to resign, his resignation would be accepted. The Deputy Commissioner, Ken Lay, became acting Chief Commissioner, and by the end of 2011 officially Chief Commissioner.
Read more about this topic: Simon Overland
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