Explanation needed over decision not to consult Crown Law

Revelations that the Police never sought advice from the Crown Law Office over whether to prosecute John Banks are extraordinary, Labour’s Police spokesperson Jacinda Ardern says.

“Crown Law is more often than not called on to provide advice in complex or high-profile cases. The investigation into Mr Banks’ 2010 mayoral donations was always going to be such a case.

“To not seek external advice suggests extremely poor judgement, or the possibility that a decision was made to keep it in-house for other reasons.

“The Police Association says fiscal constraints mean more careful decision-making is being made around what material is externally reviewed.

“Certainly Police lost $40 million from their operational spend in this year’s Budget, but that offers little reassurance that this particular case was dealt with appropriately.

“Anne Tolley needs to front on this.

“The decision over whether to prosecute John Banks was an operational matter, but if the polices operational capacity is being limited by recourse constraints, leading to the wrong decisions being made, that is a matter she absolutely has responsibility for.”

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