Media statement
For immediate release
Tuesday, 3 April 2007

Bazley report disturbs UF

United Future leader Peter Dunne says the report of the Bazley Commission of Inquiry into Police conduct is a disturbing document that gives genuine cause for concern about the behaviour of a major agency of state towards the people it's supposed to serve.

"The numbers alone are alarming," he said, "three hundred and thirteen complaints of sexual assault against 222 police officers between 1979 and 2005; and 141of the 313 were regarded as being serious enough to warrant criminal charges or disciplinary action.

"While I accept that the police are more vulnerable than most to malicious allegations, it is impossible to ignore the fact that these numbers show there has been an unhealthy cancer at the core of our police force for far too long.

"I am particularly concerned that the development of this evil culture and the protection of misbehaving officers behind a wall of silence has been helped by a system of promotion within police ranks that rely on senior officers advancing the careers of their mates from the ranks below.

"Cronyism is an unhealthy culture in any organisation and as a result of this Commission of Inquiry, I hope to see the police develop a more independent and transparent method of promotion.

"I am hearted by Dame Margaret's observation that the police administration are making strenuous efforts to modernise and update their complaints and other procedures.

"It is vital that the police maintain and improve their standing and reputation within our community if we are to have the civil society we all aspire to," said Mr Dunne.

ENDS

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