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The NSW police commissioner wants the identity of the senior detective charged with high-range drink-driving to be kept secret for 40 years.
9News revealed the inspector from the police executive office attended functions in The Rocks, in Sydney's CBD, in May before allegedly getting behind the wheel of his police-issued car, striking a barrier on the NorthConnex before leaving the damaged car there.
The senior officer was never breath-tested but CCTV from two pubs in The Rocks allegedly captured him downing more than 20 drinks.
He was charged last week with high-range drink-driving and driving under the influence.
The officer will face court in December.
Police initially requested 9News not identify the officer due to operational reasons while the matter is before the courts.
For the past three days, 9News has been seeking an explanation from the commissioner's office as to why it took six months to investigate and charge the officer.
The only response that has been received was the threat of jail time if the senior detective was identified.
On Thursday, a court application was launched by police to keep the inspector's name and picture a secret under a suppression order – he is currently known by the pseudonym AB.
Lawyers for Police Commissioner Karen Webb handed an envelope to the magistrate containing reasons why the officer should remain anonymous but 9News has been banned from knowing its contents.
The officer's name and picture have been suppressed for at least two weeks until a full hearing can take place.
The commissioner's lawyer told the court they would ask for an extraordinary court order preventing the media from revealing the inspector's name and face for 40 years.
It comes after 9News questioned why a media release was not officially released by the police force when the officer was charged – as is police policy.
The matter was only made public after 9News put questions to the commissioner.
Deputy Commissioner David Hudson said he believed it was the wrong move to not issue a media release.
"There is no cover-up and that is part of what the Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) will examine but in my opinion, a media release should have been put out," he said yesterday.
The LECC, the independent watchdog, is now examining the case.
