A detective who was central to rescuing kidnap victim Cleo Smith has quit the police force just days before a corruption report about him is expected to be handed down.
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine became an international hero when footage was released by Western Australia Police showing him asking the four-year-old girl her name as she was carried out of a Carnarvon house in November 2021.
‘My name is Cleo,’ she said in the now famous video.
But misconduct allegations later emerged about the veteran detective and he was investigated by the Corruption and Crime Commission (CCC).
WA Police and the CCC released a joint statement in September last year, announcing an investigation.
A detective who was central to rescuing kidnap victim Cleo Smith (pictured) has quit the police force just days before a corruption report about him is expected to be handed down
‘A senior detective has today been stood down as investigations into alleged misconduct are ongoing,’ the statement read.
‘Oversight of police conduct is an integral part of the CCC’s work and accounts for a significant amount of allegations it receives.’
The CCC reportedly seized Mr Blaine’s phone and other items as part of its investigation.
It is understood the CCC report will be tabled in the WA state parliament this week.
But a Police spokeswoman confirmed the detective had already quit the force.
‘Det Sen Sgt Cameron Blaine’s resignation has been accepted,’ a brief statement read.
‘No further comment can be provided at this time.’
Resigning means he will not have to face the prospect of being forced out of WA Police under what are known as Section 8 proceedings.
Under this process, Police Commissioner Col Blanch would have to explain why he lost confidence in the officer.
Cleo was rescued 18 days after she was taken from her family’s tent at the Quobba Blowholes campsite on October 16, 2021.
Detectives forced their way into a house and found her in a bedroom.
Talking to media the next day, the detective said it was ‘absolutely fantastic to see her sitting there … it was incredible.’
Detective Senior Sergeant Cameron Blaine (pictured) became an international hero when footage was released by WA Police showing him asking the four-year-old girl her name
‘I asked her what her name was. One of the guys jumped in front of me and picked her up and I just wanted to be absolutely sure that … it was her,’ he said at the time.
‘I said, “What is your name?” She didn’t answer … I asked three times and then she looked at me and said “My name is Cleo.”‘
He said it was the best moment of his career.
Cleo’s kidnapper Terence Kelly was sentenced in April to 13 years and six months in jail.
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