Police are accused of a 'blatant cover-up' for letting worker off with a slap on the wrist after she crashed her car 'while swerving to avoid a fox because she is scared of them'

  • Police accused of cover-up after letting woman off with a slap on the wrist  
  • Chantelle Tavitian, 35, was an unsworn employee of Victoria police force  
  • She crashed unmarked police car in November last year and got diversion order 
  • Investigators told she swerved to avoid a fox and that she had a phobia of them 

By Brett Lackey For Daily Mail Australia

Published: 20:31 EDT, 17 October 2018 | Updated: 20:41 EDT, 17 October 2018

Police have been accused of a cover-up after letting a woman who worked for them off with a slap on the wrist after she crashed a car 'while swerving to avoid a fox because she is scared of them.'

Chantelle Tavitian was an unsworn employee of Victoria Police's intelligence and covert support unit and driving an unmarked police vehicle when she crashed head-on into a parked Toyota Landcruiser on November 13 last year.

The 35-year-old, who held the position of divisional manager, was arrested for misconduct in public office and careless driving, however, she was only charged with careless driving and failing to keep left.

She was later granted a diversion order, meaning she did not need to enter a plea, and could avoid a possible conviction and cancellation of her licence.

Police are accused of a cover-up after letting a woman (pictured) who worked for them off with a slap on the wrist after she crashed a car 'while swerving to avoid a fox' 

Police are accused of a cover-up after letting a woman (pictured) who worked for them off with a slap on the wrist after she crashed a car 'while swerving to avoid a fox' 

She told investigators at the time that she swerved to avoid a fox as she was driving along Kilcunda Drive in Rowville, east Melbourne, because she had a phobia of the animals since childhood.

The case is now being investigated by a Victorian anti-corruption unit after officers involved in the initial investigation were angered that inconsistencies in the driver's account were ignored.

Police sources have told The Age that the decision to apply a diversion order was either inappropriate, unusual or extremely lenient under the circumstances, with a senior officer describing it as a 'blatant cover-up'.

During the initial investigation Ms Tavatian also erased her phone the day before she was due to be interviewed by professional standards command.

The 35-year-old was later granted a diversion order, meaning she did not need to enter a plea, and could avoid a possible conviction and cancellation of her licence 

The 35-year-old was later granted a diversion order, meaning she did not need to enter a plea, and could avoid a possible conviction and cancellation of her licence 

The Independent Broad-based Anti-corruption Commission is currently investigating the incident as part of a larger investigation into nepotism, alleged cover-ups, and leaking of information in the Victorian police force.

Victoria Police on Wednesday defended the handling of the case.

'This investigation was reviewed by Assistant Commissioner Russell Barrett, head of professional standards, in May this year. He remains completely satisfied with the process and thoroughness of this investigation,' a spokesperson said.

'Police investigations follow the evidence, and it is not uncommon for an investigation's focus and outcome to evolve and change as the evidence unfolds.'  

 

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Police are accused of a 'blatant cover-up' for letting worker off with a slap on the wrist

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