Queensland's Crime and Corruption Commission (CCC) is pursuing a legal review concerning a police officer accused of using excessive force and degrading treatment during an arrest in Roma in October 2024. The matter has moved before the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal (QCAT), which has confirmed that the decision not to refer the complaint for formal disciplinary action can be reviewed.

The allegations concern Sergeant David Joseph Harper and an arrest that took place in Roma on October 13, 2024. According to details outlined in a recent QCAT decision, Harper was accused of forcefully removing a suspect from a truck, grabbing the man's throat and pulling his hair during the arrest. The complaint also alleged that the man was left without his trousers after being handcuffed while being transported to the Roma Watchhouse.

The allegations formed part of a broader Queensland Police Service investigation involving nine allegations against four police officers. Three of those allegations concerned Sergeant Harper. The investigation examined the conduct of officers during the arrest and subsequent handling of the suspect.

According to the QCAT decision, Detective Superintendent Glen Donaldson had determined that there was sufficient evidence relating to allegations of excessive force and degrading treatment. However, rather than referring the complaint for formal disciplinary proceedings, the matter was sent for what is known as a local management resolution.

The CCC challenged that decision, arguing that it should be subject to review. Donaldson attempted to have the CCC's application dismissed, but QCAT member Robert King-Scott rejected that attempt. In a decision handed down on August 17, the tribunal confirmed that the June 13, 2025 decision not to refer the complaint for disciplinary action was reviewable.

The tribunal's decision does not itself determine whether Sergeant Harper committed the alleged misconduct. Instead, it establishes that the CCC can continue with its application seeking a review of the earlier decision. A future hearing date for the substantive review had not been scheduled at the time of the latest report.

The case has attracted attention because it concerns the balance between internal police management and independent oversight. The CCC's role includes monitoring police misconduct and helping maintain public confidence in Queensland's policing system. QCAT also confirms that certain decisions involving police discipline and alleged corruption can be reviewed by the tribunal.

The allegations involving the suspect's treatment raise questions about the appropriate use of police powers during arrests and the obligation of officers to protect the dignity and rights of people in custody. The CCC's challenge means the circumstances surrounding the alleged conduct and the decision to resolve the matter through local management may receive further scrutiny.

For Brisbane, the case is relevant as a Queensland-wide police accountability matter, although the alleged incident itself occurred in Roma, approximately several hours west of Brisbane. It is therefore more accurately described as a Queensland police and justice story rather than a Brisbane street-crime incident.

The matter remains before the tribunal, and the allegations against Sergeant Harper have not been finally determined through this review. Any findings of misconduct will depend on the outcome of the proceedings.