Updated New Evidence Points to Murder of Top Cop Geoff 'Whit' Whitford - SA

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South Australian Detective Inspector Geoff 'Whit' Whitford allegedly took his life on a remote beach. But family man Whitford seemingly had little reason to commit suicide. He was, however, the head of an ultra-secret task force and had uncovered evidence of high-level police corruption.

Whitford was found shot dead at an isolated rocky cove at Myponga Beach an hour south of Adelaide in October 1981.

He had never been to the beach before.

On the day of his death he was due to give evidence in court against a fellow officer facing drugs charges.

In the South Australian Legislative Council, Pangallo raised serious concerns about allegations of corruption within SA Police at the time and fears Whitford may have been murdered.

Channel 9 Under Investigation. The Cop Who Knew Too Much.

 
Stunning case.
He didn't turn up for court and after being 10 minutes late, they put out a missing person's report.
It normally takes hours - 24 of them - to rule a person missing, yet Whitford was deemed missing 10 minutes after being late for a court appointment?
Not to mention they set up base at Victor Harbour to conduct the search, about 30km from where he was found.
How do you set up base for a missing person's operation nearly 100km from where they went missing in Adelaide? Makes no sense unless you knew they were there!
 

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South Australian Detective Inspector Geoff 'Whit' Whitford allegedly took his life on a remote beach. But family man Whitford seemingly had little reason to commit suicide. He was, however, the head of an ultra-secret task force and had uncovered evidence of high-level police corruption.

Whitford was found shot dead at an isolated rocky cove at Myponga Beach an hour south of Adelaide in October 1981.

He had never been to the beach before.

On the day of his death he was due to give evidence in court against a fellow officer facing drugs charges.

In the South Australian Legislative Council, Pangallo raised serious concerns about allegations of corruption within SA Police at the time and fears Whitford may have been murdered.

Channel 9 Under Investigation. The Cop Who Knew Too Much.

I was a police officer in 1981 and was due to give evidence with Geoff Whitford that day. Geoff rang me at about 6.30am that day discussing the case and making sure I was prepared. Making sure I was ready to attend and if I had any questions. Confirming we would meet before the appointed time. The call lasted about 5 or so minutes. He was very supportive, encouraging and definite in our meeting prior to the required appearance that morning. Definitely not displaying the demeanor of someone of a suicidal state of mind. Why bother making such contact with an officer whom he really did not know, if he was planning on not being alive. I contacted drug squad on that day and was told my information was noted for the Detectives. I raised my concerns and suspicions about this being an unlikely suicide. Told the matter was in hand and to attend to my duties. Never did hear from anyone. This whole saga had a stink about it from day one.
 
I was a police officer in 1981 and was due to give evidence with Geoff Whitford that day. Geoff rang me at about 6.30am that day discussing the case and making sure I was prepared. Making sure I was ready to attend and if I had any questions. Confirming we would meet before the appointed time. The call lasted about 5 or so minutes. He was very supportive, encouraging and definite in our meeting prior to the required appearance that morning. Definitely not displaying the demeanor of someone of a suicidal state of mind. Why bother making such contact with an officer whom he really did not know, if he was planning on not being alive. I contacted drug squad on that day and was told my information was noted for the Detectives. I raised my concerns and suspicions about this being an unlikely suicide. Told the matter was in hand and to attend to my duties. Never did hear from anyone. This whole saga had a stink about it from day one.

Wow. How did you find this thread/forum? Just by googling his name? Do you mind if I ask how much longer you stayed in the force for/what made you leave? Can keep the details vague for confidentiality
 
I've watched this program a few times and read a fair bit about it, waiting to get the novel that his daughter wrote. This whole thing was a FUBAR of an investigation, well actually, it doesn't even look like half an investigation to be honest. I remember hearing about this at the time, I would've been 17 and knew the area down there pretty well, been fishing down there with my cousins.

This whole thing stinks to high heaven, you can't do forensic evidence collecting in the dark, as was done. No exclusion zones no specialist teams down there. So many procedural errors and higher Achel interference to close it quick and move on. This should just not be allowed to continue without a full reopening of the case and all aspects and personel to be scrutinised before the major players become too old or just die off.

The family deserves better.
 
Wow. How did you find this thread/forum? Just by googling his name? Do you mind if I ask how much longer you stayed in the force for/what made you leave? Can keep the details vague for confidentiality
Have you thought about making a formal complaint to the current police minister, somebody knows and this stinks all the way to the top if you ask me
 
Wow. How did you find this thread/forum? Just by googling his name? Do you mind if I ask how much longer you stayed in the force for/what made you leave? Can keep the details vague for confidentiality
I was a police officer in 1981 and was due to give evidence with Geoff Whitford that day. Geoff rang me at about 6.30am that day discussing the case and making sure I was prepared. Making sure I was ready to attend and if I had any questions. Confirming we would meet before the appointed time. The call lasted about 5 or so minutes. He was very supportive, encouraging and definite in our meeting prior to the required appearance that morning. Definitely not displaying the demeanor of someone of a suicidal state of mind. Why bother making such contact with an officer whom he really did not know, if he was planning on not being alive. I contacted drug squad on that day and was told my information was noted for the Detectives. I raised my concerns and suspicions about this being an unlikely suicide. Told the matter was in hand and to attend to my duties. Never did hear from anyone. This whole saga had a stink about it from day one.
Have you considered making a formal request to the current police minister, somebody knows, this stinks all the way the head. I've ordered the novel his daughter wrote. I'm fascinated by this case and possibly going to do podcast on it
 
I was a police officer in 1981 and was due to give evidence with Geoff Whitford that day. Geoff rang me at about 6.30am that day discussing the case and making sure I was prepared. Making sure I was ready to attend and if I had any questions. Confirming we would meet before the appointed time. The call lasted about 5 or so minutes. He was very supportive, encouraging and definite in our meeting prior to the required appearance that morning. Definitely not displaying the demeanor of someone of a suicidal state of mind. Why bother making such contact with an officer whom he really did not know, if he was planning on not being alive. I contacted drug squad on that day and was told my information was noted for the Detectives. I raised my concerns and suspicions about this being an unlikely suicide. Told the matter was in hand and to attend to my duties. Never did hear from anyone. This whole saga had a stink about it from day one.
Interesting read. Whitford is mentioned By Tony Grosser, a whistleblower.
 
Few SAPOL issues in the 70s to early 80s. Colin Creed kicking about, the murder of George Duncan and this to name a few.
 

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