Superintendent Mark Szalajko crashed an unmarked police car on November 2 last year while involved in the pursuit of a reckless driver on the Cargo Road.

A second police officer, reported to be a 22-year-old senior constable, was injured when some of the vehicle’s airbags failed to deploy, causing his head to smash into the roof of the vehicle.

The Central Western Daily understands this officer has not yet returned to work, however, police are remaining tight-lipped with the details, failing to address any questions relating to the officer’s condition, identity or future, yesterday.

NSW Police Media released a short statement from Western Region Command assistant commissioner Steve Bradshaw yesterday, restating established facts of the case to date and saying it was inappropriate to comment as Superintendent Szalajko is yet to be sentenced on a charge of negligent driving.

The superintendent pleaded guilty to negligent driving in Orange Local Court on April 29 and will appear for sentence in Bathurst Local Court on Monday.

“That officer has been the subject of managerial action in regards to the NSW Police Force Safe Driver Policy,” assistant commissioner Bradshaw’s statement read.

“The precise nature of this action is a private matter between the officer and his commander.”