UPDATE #5: Arrests – Wadeye

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has now arrested 28 males in relation to recent unrest in Wadeye.

On Tuesday 10 February, local police members with the assistance of Strike Force Trident, the Territory Response Group, and the Katherine Criminal Investigation Branch, identified and arrested multiple offenders involved in recent violent disturbances.

In the initial round of arrests, police apprehended six male youths, four aged 15 and two aged 17, and arrested 10 adult males aged between 18 and 28.

On Wednesday, seven more offenders were arrested including five adult males aged between 18 and 42 and three youths aged 14, 15 and 18.

On Thursday, another five offenders were arrested including four adult males aged between 18 and 42, and a 15-year-old youth.

All offenders remain in police custody with charges expected to follow.

Further persons of interest have been identified, and investigations are ongoing.

Arrest – Escape Custody – Alice Springs

Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

The Northern Territory Police Force has arrested a male youth following an escape from custody incident in Alice Springs this morning.

Around 9:30am on Thursday, the Joint Emergency Services Communication Centre received a report a 15-year-old male allegedly escaped from Youth Corrections custody at the Alice Springs Hospital

It is alleged that the offender entered the roof space of a toilet after removing a ceiling panel. The offender, who was handcuffed at the time, was located and arrested a short time later after police entered the roof space.

He was conveyed back into the care of Youth Corrections for medical assessment after he allegedly deliberately hit his head multiple times against his handcuffs.

The youth will be summonsed for Escape Lawful Custody.

Two men charged with firearm and tobacco related offences

Source: Tasmania Police

Two men charged with firearm and tobacco related offences

Friday, 13 February 2026 – 10:41 am.

Two men have been charged with firearm and tobacco related offences following a search in Rokeby where a home-made firearm and illicit tobacco products were allegedly located.
Acting Inspector Eloise Penney said “yesterday, members of Bellerive Police, assisted by specialist resources and the Dog Handler’s Unit, executed a search warrant at a residence in Rokeby.”
Despite efforts by occupants to fortify the premises to prevent entry, police entered and will allege they located an unsecured home-made firearm, further firearm parts, ammunition and various illicit tobacco products.
Police arrested a 26-year-old man and a 37-year-old man at the scene and have charged them with multiple offences including:

Possess firearm when not the holder of a firearm licence
Deal in firearms when not the holder of a firearms dealer licence
Sell tobacco when not the holder of a tobacco sellers licence
Constructing/installing fortifications on premises.

Both men remain in custody and will appear in the Hobart Magistrates Court this morning.
“Police reminds members of the public of the dangers associated with the possession and handling of firearms by non-licenced firearms holders and in particular, the additional dangers in handling home-made firearms,” said Acting Inspector Penney.
“Tasmania Police is committed to removing illegal firearms from the community and urges anyone with information about firearm activity to come forward.”
Information can be provided by contacting police on 131 444 or report anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at crimestopperstas.com.au

21 new constables join Tasmania Police ranks

Source: Tasmania Police

21 new constables join Tasmania Police ranks

Friday, 13 February 2026 – 12:48 pm.

Tasmania Police has today welcomed 21 new constables into its ranks.
Acting Commander Brenda Orr congratulated the new police officers, who have successfully completed a rigorous 28-week training program.
“Recruit Training Course 4 of 2025 comprises seven women and fourteen men, ranging in age from 18 to 42,” she said.
“They have already shown real commitment and resilience, and I look forward to seeing the contribution they will make to policing in Tasmania.”
“This is the first recruit graduation for 2026, with further courses scheduled to graduate throughout the year as Tasmania Police continues to invest in building a contemporary, well trained and community focused workforce.
Constable Liam George has been awarded Dux of the Course and will be posted to Launceston.
“I’m very happy and honoured to get the award of Dux.”
“I’ve wanted to be a police officer since I was a teenager, and am looking forward to working in the community where I grew up, it’s a great opportunity.”
Constable Rachel Hosie was the joint recipient of the UTAS Emerging Leader Award, along with Constable Cody Welsh.
“I thought about joining police when I was in college, but I ended up doing a degree in medical research and found that I wanted a bit more of a challenge, and policing felt like the best option for me.”
“I’ve been loving it ever since.”
The new constables will be posted to Bellerive, Hobart, Launceston, Glenorchy, Devonport, Bridgewater and Burnie, where they will commence duties next week.
Acting Commander Orr said Tasmania Police offers a dynamic and rewarding career for people who are motivated to serve their community.
“As we often say, it’s one job with endless opportunities, and if you have ever thought about joining Tasmania Police, we encourage you to get in touch with our recruitment team,” she said.
Information about the recruitment process is available at https://recruitment.police.tas.gov.au/

Statement from the Commissioner of Police, Donna Adams

Source: Tasmania Police

Statement from the Commissioner of Police, Donna Adams

Thursday, 12 February 2026 – 4:02 pm.

Matters regarding Paul Reynolds were considered by four independent oversight mechanisms – a Coronial Inquest, the Commission of Inquiry, Weiss Independent Review, and the Integrity Commission.Records indicate the decision to hold a police funeral was made in September 2018 at the request of the Reynolds family. The decision was made by the then Commissioner of Police, as per the Tasmania Police Manual and all records relating to this have already been publicly released and are available here.In its assessment of the matter, the Integrity Commission stated that the-then Commissioner’s decision to hold a police funeral “was not so unreasonable as to constitute misconduct… Rather than being characterised as misconduct, it may be argued that the decision was an error of judgement.”In October 2023, Tasmania Police proactively provided information publicly regarding the police funeral.At that time, Commissioner Adams also sincerely apologised for the police funeral and to those affected – victim-survivors, the Tasmanian community, and members and staff of Tasmania Police. Commissioner Adams clearly stated it was wrong to hold the police funeral.The Tasmania Police Manual was amended in October 2023 to include a requirement for the Commissioner of the day to consider any current Professional Standards matters as part of the decision-making process for holding a police funeral.The independent review – carried out by respected barrister Regina Weiss – was initiated by Commissioner Adams to fully understand the extent of his offending, provide an opportunity for victims to be heard in a trauma informed way and to identify learnings for our organisation.Changes had already been made to the criteria for determining a police funeral under the Tasmania Police Manual prior to the Weiss Independent Review.

Man charged with several offences following arrest in Lutana

Source: Tasmania Police

Man charged with several offences following arrest in Lutana

Wednesday, 11 February 2026 – 4:48 pm.

A 25-year-old man from Blackmans Bay has been charged with several offences after he was allegedly found with a firearm in his possession in Lutana this morning.
Police received a report from a member of the public about 10am, and attended the scene near the Brooker Highway.
The man was arrested a short time later, and police will allege they located several items in in his possession, including a firearm and two knives.
He has been charged with several offences relating to the unlawful possession of a firearm, ammunition and a dangerous article in a public place.
He was detained to appear before the Hobart Magistrates Court tonight.
At this stage there are no reports the man used or made threats with the firearm.

Search success as man found near Mt Barrow

Source: Tasmania Police

Search success as man found near Mt Barrow

Thursday, 12 February 2026 – 3:00 pm.

A Longford man missing in rugged bushland in the state’s north for more than three days has been found alive.
Tasmania Police can confirm 32-year-old Corey Chugg, who went missing in bushland at Mt Barrow near Nunamara on Sunday night, has been located a short time ago by search and rescue teams.
Mr Chugg was found at the bottom of a steep incline, on the edge of the known search area.
He was able to talk with rescue personnel and, after undergoing assessment by medical specialists, has been transferred to hospital for further treatment.
The full extent of his physical condition and any injuries is not known at this time.
Mr Chugg’s family has been advised that he has been found alive.

Search continues for man missing at Mt Barrow

Source: Tasmania Police

Search continues for man missing at Mt Barrow

Wednesday, 11 February 2026 – 3:57 pm.

Police are continuing to search for a man missing in bushland at Mt Barrow near Nunamara in the state’s North.
Resources including police search and rescue personnel, SES volunteers and Tasmanian Mounted Search and Rescue, ATVs, the helicopter and drones were again deployed to the area on Wednesday for a second day of searching for 32-year-old Corey.
The Longford man had been in bushland at Mt Barrow with a friend when they became separated on Sunday.
Corey was last seen in the area on Sunday evening.
Inspector Aleena Crack said the search would continue into Wednesday evening.
“We have deployed significant resources to the area again today, however sadly, Corey remains missing,” she said.
“There are serious concerns for his welfare. He has now been missing for several days and we understand he did not have any food, water or safety equipment with him.”
“Our searchers will continue this evening, and are likely to resume in the morning.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact police on 131 444.

Youth in custody over George Town wounding incident

Source: Tasmania Police

Youth in custody over George Town wounding incident

Tuesday, 10 February 2026 – 9:08 pm.

A 14 year old female is in custody following a disturbance and wounding incident in George Town this evening.
Police and emergency services were called to a medical facility in George Town about 6.45pm tonight after a woman presented there with what were believed to be stab wounds to the chest and arm.
Enquiries led police to a nearby address that police believe is where the incident occurred.
The female youth was then identified and arrested at this address and is being transported to the Launceston Police Station where investigations will continue.The victim is in a stable condition and has been taken to the Launceston General Hospital for treatment.
The weapon is believed to be a pair of scissors, which has been seized by police.Investigations into the incident are ongoing.Anyone with information should call George Town Police on 131444 or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or crimestopperstas.com.au. You can stay anonymous.

Police seeking witnesses to serious crash at Boat Harbour

Source: Tasmania Police

Police seeking witnesses to serious crash at Boat Harbour

Wednesday, 11 February 2026 – 2:41 pm.

Police are seeking witnesses to a serious crash at Boat Harbour yesterday, involving a black Mazda 3 sedan and a gold Ford escape. 
The crash occurred about 7.20am where the eastbound Mazda and westbound Ford crashed on the Bass Highway, near the intersection with Morris Road. 
As a result of the crash, the driver of the Mazda – a man in his 20s – was flown to the Royal Hobart Hospital with what were reported to be serious injuries. 
The driver of the Ford – a man in his 40s – was transported to the North West Regional Hospital with minor injuries. 
Police would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the crash or either vehicle prior to the crash, or has dash cam of either. 
Information can be provided to Western Crash Investigation Services on 131 444, quoting ESCAD 62-10022026. 
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers Tasmania at crimestopperstas.com.au or on 1800 333 000.