High-profile police detective missing in surf off NSW
A large-scale search has resumed for a veteran Queensland police officer off the northern NSW coast.
Detective Inspector Jay Notaro’s car and surfboard were found at Broken Head in Byron Bay on Tuesday after the high-profile officer, 45, failed to show up for work.
An extensive water search commenced early afternoon and continued into the night without success.
The search resumed at 7am on Wednesday with police on land and water, a Queensland Police helicopter and surf lifesavers.
It was focused on the areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, particularly the Broken Head area, NSW Police said.
Queensland Police said it and the officer’s family were worried for his welfare as his disappearance was considered out of character.
“Anyone with information that may be able to assist with the whereabouts of the member is asked to contact police,” a spokeswoman said.
“There is no further information available at this time.”
Notaro started with Queensland police in Townsville in 2003, rising through the ranks to oversee homicide investigations in the Gold Coast from 2015 onwards.
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In 2024, the Queensland Homicide Victims’ Support Group presented its annual compassion in policing award to Notaro for going beyond his duty for a victim’s relative.
“Jay was always there for myself and my family statements, media interviews, phone calls, and texts,” said nominee Sharni Mill, whose partner Greg Dufty was murdered his Brisbane home in 2015.
“He made impossibly difficult tasks a little easier to handle.”
Notaro has also played a major role in the local water police command and Volunteer Marine Rescue noted he had a keen interest in surfing.
