By Chris Salter
The Advertiser
October 05, 2006 01:00am

A SOUTH Australian police officer has been arrested for allegedly handing out confidential information to outlaw motorcycle gangs.

The woman, 34, who is based at a northern suburbs station, was arrested yesterday and charged with abuse of public office.

She was suspended from duty and will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court this morning.

The officer was one of six people charged yesterday following a joint operation by the police Anti-Corruption Branch and Organised Crime detectives.

Confirming the arrests last night, a police spokeswoman said it was alleged the "abuse of public office offences relate to the release of confidential information".

"It is further alleged the information released was provided to people engaged in organised crime with connections to motorcycle gangs," she said.

The Advertiser understands the operation was triggered by intelligence revealing girlfriends and wives of outlaw motorcycle gang members had deliberately sought employment throughout the South Australian public sector to obtain confidential information.

This included seeking positions with police, the Motor Registration Office, the Correctional Services Department, the Courts Administration Authority and the Land Titles Office.

Police also suspect female associates of motorcycle gang members have successfully applied for jobs within utility organisations Telstra and electricity and gas providers.

Once they have been employed and obtained security clearances, the women have had access to the details of such items as drivers' licences, motor vehicle registrations, property ownership, criminal records and the location of prisoners.

Police surveillance has found that such information has been provided to motorcycle gangs, which have been able to use it for criminal purposes, such as extortion and drug dealing.

The arrests yesterday followed a concerted effort by police to clamp down on the increasing prevalence of outlaw motorcycle gangs across South Australia.

A spokesman for Police Minister Paul Holloway said he had not been given any information about the charges.

Opposition police spokesman Rob Lucas called on the Government to reveal the extent of the corruption involving outlaw motorcycle gangs.

hopefully a nice big jail term should follow shortly

We can only hope, however the way the Courts are going over here she will only get a slap on the wrist and a small fine.

very disappointing to read this mate. If she is guilty she deserves the most harshest punishment possible. It is an absolute disgrace to betray the uniform like that

My thoughts exactly