In this episode, we hear from a current serving Tasmanian police officer a man who spent nearly his entire career working alongside Reynolds. Using a voice actor to protect his identity, he describes Reynolds as he knew him: the outgoing, blokey colleague who could charm a room of young men, the officer who became increasingly absent as he climbed the ranks, and the man whose behaviour now looks disturbingly like grooming hiding in plain sight.

He also walks us into the world of Ashley Youth Detention Centre the blind spots, the “cowboy” culture, the friendships between staff and Reynolds, and why he believes it is almost impossible that Reynolds never accessed the centre or its vulnerable boys.

Alongside testimony from a whistleblower who worked inside Ashley, this chapter exposes the overlap between policing, youth detention, and community institutions that enabled Reynolds to move freely for decades. It raises the questions no one has been able to answer: who knew what, who looked away, and why so many of Reynolds’ behaviors were minimised or ignored.

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If this episode has raised difficult feelings for you, support is available:

• Lifeline: 13 11 14 — https://www.lifeline.org.au

• Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 — https://kidshelpline.com.au

• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732 — https://www.1800respect.org.au

A Parliamentary Inquiry has now been established into Tasmania Police's responses to allegations of officer misconduct, including the handling of the Paul Reynolds matter.

The Committee is inviting submissions from members of the public, current and former police officers, victims, witnesses and anyone with information relevant to the inquiry. Submissions close on 4 September 2026.

For more information or to make a submission, visit:

https://www.parliament.tas.gov.au/committees/house-of-assembly/standing-committees/government-administration-committee-b/inquiries/inquiry-into-tasmania-police-responses-to-allegations-of-officer-misconduct

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