"Police will take firm action against staff facing allegations of criminal offending"

The charges laid against a Waitemata police officer demonstrate that police will take decisive action against staff facing allegations of a criminal nature says Waitemata District Commander, Superintendent Bill Searle.

Constable Lotovale Perese faces 34 charges under the Corrections Act 2004 and 1 charge under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975, relating to unauthorised deliveries to prisoners. This follows a lengthy and robust investigation led by police with support from the Department of Corrrections.

Perese worked as a prisoner escort at Henderson Police Station.

"The allegations against Mr Perese are serious and will be very disappointing to all those staff in police who uphold the highest standards of integrity and professionalism" says Mr Searle.

"Public trust and confidence in police is vital and today's arrest demonstrates that police staff are held to account under the law just as any other member of the public is."

Perese has been immediately stood down from work.

"As this is now before the court I am unable to go into details about the allegations or the investigation. However I can say this is also a serious Code of Conduct matter and consideration is also being given to implications for the Constable's pay and ongoing employment with police."

ENDS

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