ACT Party Press Release; Crime & Justice
February 1, 2004
Independent Inquiry Needed On Police Complaint
by Dr Muriel Newman
ACT New Zealand
Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today demanded to know why rape allegations against
three police officers were not independently investigated when Police Minister
George Hawkins first became aware of them – before one of these officers was
given the position of Assistant Police Commissioner.
“The fact that Mr Hawkins and the Prime Minister have known about this for
years, and yet never ordered an independent inquiry, smacks of incompetence,”
Dr Newman said.
“The reputation of the New Zealand Police must be protected. The public must have faith that their police
force is honest and trustworthy – how can they have such faith when the
integrity and actions of one of our highest-ranking officers is in doubt?
“With the complainant having alleged a police cover-up, there is no other
option but to order a complete independent inquiry. Such an investigation will ensure that, if
these officers are vindicated, the public is confident that police are not
simply looking after their own.
“This is something that should have been done long ago, before Clint Rickards
became Assistant Commissioner. Not only
do we need a full, independent inquiry into this most serious matter, but I
also demand that the Minister and Prime Minister explain just why they did not
address this issue sooner,” Dr Newman said.