Desperate search continues for cop who vanished after going for a surf at popular beach in Byron Bay
A massive search is underway for a senior Queensland police officer who failed to return after heading out for a surf in Byron Bay.
A massive search is underway for a senior Queensland police officer who failed to return after heading out for a surf in Byron Bay.
Award-winning detective inspector Jay Notaro is the subject of a full-scale search after his board was found abandoned and his vehicle was left in a carpark.
The search for Insp Notaro, 45, was launched at Broken Head about 12.40pm on Tuesday but he was still missing 18 hours later on Wednesday morning.
Insp Notaro was instrumental in solving major cases the bikie-linked slaying of Gold Coast victim Greg Dufty.
The top cop then served in roles including officer in charge of the Gold Coast water police and Coomera police station.
Insp Notaro recently transferred to Ipswich after being promoted to Inspector.
He received a compassion in policing award by the Queensland Homicide Victims Support Group last year for his work on the Dufty case.
A squadron of emergency services made up of Queensland Police, water police, the Queensland Polair and surf lifesavers will take part in search efforts.
The search for award-winning detective inspector Jay Notaro (pictured) was launched about 12.40pm on Tuesday but he was still missing 18 hours later on Wednesday morning
Queensland Police, water police, the Queensland Polair and surf lifesavers will take part in search efforts (a surfer in Byron Bay is pictured)
The search will focus on the areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly the Broken Head area, a NSW police spokeswoman said.
Cross-Border Commissioner and former Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers told the Courier Mail he was praying for Insp Notaro to be found safely.
Mr Leavers and Insp Notaro have known each other for many years.
Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police, Mr Leavers said.
He is a future leader of the police, especially in the higher ranks. I just hope he is found safely and we have a really good outcome.
He is not only a friend, he is one of the future leaders of the organisation. Im praying, hes just a champion.
If we had more coppers like that we would be a better organisation.
A Queensland Police Service spokesman earlier confirmed a member of the service was reported missing Tuesday afternoon.
The search for Insp Notaro was launched at Broken Head about 12.40pm on Tuesday but the decorated was still missing on Wednesday morning
Officers and the members family are concerned for their welfare due to the disappearance being considered out of character, the spokesman said.
A search is underway in an effort to locate the member. Anyone with information that may be able to assist with the whereabouts of the member is asked to contact police.
There is no further information available at this time.
Colleagues were rocked by news of the officers disappearance.
Everyone is a bit shocked and hoping for the best, a senior officer reportedly said.