An NT police officer charged with fraud was moved into the Ethical and Professional Standards Command, the unit that investigates wrongdoing by police, while he himself was being investigated, multiple police sources have told the NT Independent, with one stating the situation was “bizarre”.

Constable First Class Dave Trenerry will face Darwin Local Court later this month charged with one count of obtaining benefit by deception, court records show.

It is understood Constable Trenerry is friends with former chief minister Michael Gunner.

NT Police media manager Rob Cross did not respond to questions sent on August 10, about why he had not issued a press release about the charges against the officer. Police have still not made the charge public, in contravention of their “transparency” guidelines.

The charge, but not the identity of Constable Trenerry, was sent out in an internal police broadcast on August 4 or 5, one police source told the NT Independent, and said he had also faced disciplinary action over another integrity matter and forced onto leave for that, but had not been suspended for either.

The EPSC investigates and oversees any matters involving police – including off-duty officers – in relation to complaints by the public, alleged internal disciplinary issues such as a breach of policy, and potential crimes, which in their policy document includes the example of fraud.

Mr Cross was also asked why it was considered appropriate fro Constable Trenerry to be moved into this section when police sources have told the NT Independent he was being investigated for, and then charged with, fraud.

The first source said Constable Trenerry was moved from general duties to the new post in the weeks leading up to the charge while a second source said they understood he was charged and given this new job in the same week.

Mr Cross did not respond to further questions on Tuesday asking when exactly the constable was transferred to EPSC, and who made that decision.

“I find it bizarre that he would get in that position after being investigated for dishonesty offences,” the second source said.

“But Zach (Rolfe) can’t go into work because he might trigger a person who should be arrested and charged for perjury. That place is a cesspool.

“I imagine they’re hiding him. It would make sense if he has friends in high places but that would be speculation. The whole thing stinks…”

The first source said they thought Constable Trenerry was “being protected” for some reason.

“Maybe someone outside of the NTP or someone in NTP executive,” they said.

“So many coppers would kill to have a day job but Trenerry fucks up and simply gets moved. But again why would you put a cop whose under investigation for an integrity issue into professional standards? Everyone is asking the same question. Everyone.

“Normally he would have been suspended pending the court outcome. So you have someone under investigation for fraud investigating hard working cops for BS complaints.”

That source said Constable Trenerry is friends with former chief minister Michael Gunner and attended his first wedding.

“He makes it well known he is friends with Gunner,” the police source said.

Mr Cross did publish a press release on August 11 about a female police employee who was charged with two counts of disclosing confidential information.

And on August 9, Mr Cross also issued a press release about a female police officer who was charged with assault. Her charges had not yet been listed with the court last Thursday, although Constable Trenerry’s had.

The NT Police transparency guidelines state that “at the stage of an internal investigation whereby a determination is made that there is likely a serious disciplinary and/or criminal offence committed, this information will be communicated to the public via media release and published on the NTPFES website”.