Former NSW police officer convicted of wilful misconduct for sharing confidential data
Michael Emmanuel Hoogvelt was found guilty of wilful misconduct after he gave a convicted drug dealer restricted police information while serving in Wagga Wagga and Tweed Heads.
In Lismore District Court, former NSW police member Michael Emmanuel Hoogvelt was convicted of wilful misconduct for repeatedly accessing the computer operational policing system while posted at Wagga Wagga and Tweed Heads. Over the period from 2022 to 2024, he shared confidential information with a convicted drug dealer, including data on a 17-year-old suspect and advice on changing vehicle registration. Hoogvelt, who testified he received cocaine from the dealer on several occasions, denied any quid-pro-quo arrangement.
Evidence from Detective Sergeant Timothy Briggs confirmed he was not involved in the exchanges. Defence lawyer William one outlet highlighted Hoogvelt’s prior bravery award and personal stresses, including PTSD and a colleague’s suicide. The judge set a sentencing hearing for October 22 at Sydney District Court.
Why it matters
The case highlights abuse of police data and raises concerns about officer conduct and drug use within law enforcement.
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