"Future leader": Search resumes for missing police officer

Authorities are set to resume the desperate search for a Queensland police officer who went missing while surfing in New South Wales.

Detective Inspector Jay Notaro was last seen surfing before his surfboard and keys were discovered at Broken Head in NSW’s Northern Rivers region at approximately 12:40pm on Tuesday.

Queensland Cross-Border Commissioner Ian Leavers described Mr Notaro as a highly regarded officer with a promising future in the force.

“Jay is one of the most competent and capable coppers I know, who has a great future in the police,” Leavers told The Courier Mail. “He is not only a friend, he is one of the future leaders of the organisation. I’m praying, he’s just a champion.”

The extensive search operation on Tuesday involved Tweed/Byron Police, Police Rescue, Marine Area Command, Queensland PolAir and Surf Life Saving NSW.

A NSW Police spokesperson confirmed that search efforts would continue on Wednesday morning, focusing on areas between Lennox Head and Cape Byron, with particular attention to Broken Head.

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Authorities and colleagues remain hopeful as the search continues for the experienced officer, with many praying for his safe return.

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