Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Police accept IPCA report findings

Police accept the findings of the Independent Police Conduct Authority (IPCA) report regarding a Police investigation into inappropriate contact between a teacher and a student in Gisborne in 2014.

While the IPCA agreed with Police that there was insufficient evidence available to Police to charge the teacher with a criminal offence, the Authority also found the investigation to be deficient in several respects.

Eastern District Commander Superintendent Tania Kura acknowledges that there were several things Police did not get right during the investigation.

“The IPCA notes in its report that it is satisfied Officer B gave the investigation the appropriate priority, saying that he was at all times highly motivated to act in the best interests of Reiha McLelland and her family, and was committed to obtaining the best outcome he could,” says Superintendent Kura.

“However, it is very clear that there were a number of issues with how the investigation was carried out, including a lack of supervision, inadequate assessment and recording of evidence, and inappropriate management of a conflict of interest."

“Eastern District Police have conducted an internal review of the investigation and our findings were broadly in line with the IPCA’s findings released today.”

“We have to be better than this.”

“In particular, it is crucial that all officers – no matter what rank they are – are able to identify a potential conflict of interest and know how to appropriately manage it.”

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“It is also vital that appropriate supervision is in place for all investigating officers.”

The IPCA also notes that while it had identified some issues with the investigation, they were satisfied that the outcome was not pre-determined and Officer B was sincere in his investigation into whether or not the teacher had committed a criminal offence.

“I do want to acknowledge these comments by the IPCA, and also comments made in the Coroner’s findings, which noted that it was to Officer B’s credit that he had run a comprehensive investigation, given that he had not been provided with instructions regarding an alternate supervisor,” says Superintendent Kura.

“Notwithstanding the issues identified by the IPCA - and by our own internal investigation into this matter - I am satisfied, as is the IPCA, that the ultimate outcome of this case was the correct one: there was insufficient evidence to charge Samuel Back with a criminal offence.”

“While I cannot speak for Reiha’s family, I do want to acknowledge how extremely difficult the release of this report and the subsequent publicity must be for them.”

“It has been four years since Reiha’s tragic death and I’m sure the pain of her family and friends has not diminished in that time.”

“Reiha’s death weighs heavily on all those involved in this case.
I hope to meet with Reiha’s family in the coming days to discuss the IPCA’s findings, but for now I simply want to extend my sincere personal sympathy to her family and loved ones.”


ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.