Wade Howell is an experienced investigations manager and former Australian Federal Police detective, specialising in investigation oversight, complex safeguarding matters and serious complaint resolution.
At Safeguarding Services, Wade leads and oversees investigations involving high-risk allegations, vulnerable individuals and complex organisational environments. His role focuses on ensuring investigations are thorough, defensible, trauma-informed and conducted with procedural fairness.
Wade began his career in law enforcement, serving as a detective with the Australian Federal Police, where he worked across complex investigations and serious criminal matters. His policing background laid the foundation for his strengths in evidence assessment, investigative planning and decision-making under pressure.
Following his law enforcement career, Wade transitioned into safeguarding, misconduct and reportable conduct investigations across regulated sectors. He has since led and overseen investigations involving children, young people and adults at risk, as well as matters within custodial and high-security environments.
As Investigations Manager, Wade provides leadership and quality assurance across investigations, supporting investigators and working closely with clients to navigate sensitive and high-impact matters.
Experience
Wade has led and overseen investigations across a wide range of complex settings. Examples of his work include:
- Investigation into grooming, physical, sexual and emotional abuse of a young person in residential care
- Investigation into serious misconduct and reportable conduct within a Youth Justice precinct
- Investigation into alleged sexual and physical abuse by a foster carer
- Investigation into allegations of bullying, harassment and sexual harassment within a government department
- Investigation relating to the use of force within a high-security custodial environment
- Investigative work involving matters referred by or relating to the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission and the NDIA
His experience includes working within adult corrections, youth justice, out-of-home care, education and community-based services.
Qualifications
Formal education:
- Bachelor of Science (Security and Justice) – Edith Cowan University (2004)
- Diploma of Public Safety (Policing) – Australian Federal Police (2006)
- Advanced Diploma of Investigation (Police Investigations) – Australian Federal Police (2014)
- Certificate III in Investigative Services – ASSI International (2020)
- Diploma of Leadership and Management – Right Choice Training (2025)
Licences and Accreditations
- Certificate III in Private Investigations and Government Investigations
- Interviewing Children Course – Griffith University (2023)
- Aboriginal Cultural Elements Training – Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency (VACCA) (2023)
