Media Release

For Immediate Release
Tuesday, 3 April 2007

The Public Will Be Reassured by Reading the Commission of Inquiry Report

The publication of the Commission Of Inquiry Report is extremely timely and should reassure New Zealanders that, while some individuals have indulged in inappropriate and illegal behaviour in the past, the NZ Police of today is focused on ensuring exemplary standards of behaviour are maintained," Police Association President Greg O'Connor said today.

"New Zealanders have understandably become concerned about their police following recent negative publicity and court cases," said Mr O'Connor. "I urge New Zealanders to read the report and understand how thoroughly Dame Bazley and her team examined past and current police practice in preparing their report," Mr O'Connor said.

"Reading the report will help reassure people that errant behaviour by police officers is vigorously investigated and strictly dealt with."

"Dame Margaret Bazley's report, while expressing concerns about the adequacy of some internal processes, is generally positive about how police deal with complaints of sexual offending against police officers and their associates." Mr O'Connor said. "It will also reassure New Zealanders that in today's culture, sexual offending or misconduct is not tolerated or ignored."

"Some improvements are recommended. The Association fully supports the need for a Code of Conduct and we have been working with police on formulating such a code." Mr O'Connor said.

"The unique nature of policing does need to be carefully considered when implementing changes, especially the situation where the Commissioner of Police is in the unique position of being the employer and the prosecutor."

Mr O'Connor said, "The Police Association has no interest in protecting police officers who commit criminal offences or indulge in inappropriate behaviour, however Officers deserve the right to have the veracity of any allegations made against them tested, before being acted upon. The principles of natural justice should apply to Police Officers too."

Finally Mr O'Connor said, "It is important that the police now get on with the job of making New Zealand and New Zealanders safer. The distractions which have occurred over the last few years can only benefit criminals."

ENDS

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