Newstalk ZB
February 1, 2004

QC says police shouldn't investigate themselves

Police should not investigate themselves- QC Peter Williams says review of rape complaint must be independent

The police should not investigate themselves.

That is the view of Queen's Counsel Peter Williams, after the Police Commissioner launched a review of a rape complaint investigation.

The allegation of rape and sodomy at a police house in Rotorua in 1986 is against two officers who are no longer with the force, and Assistant Commissioner Clint Rickards.

The woman, Louise Nicholas of Gisborne, who was a teenager at the time, alleges her original complaint was not properly investigated.

She says there was a cover-up by a fourth officer.

Peter Williams believes the fresh inquiry should be independent of the police.

He says allegations of a cover-up mean it is inappropriate for the police to be involved, other than to offer information and submissions.

Mr Williams says the review is of national importance because the integrity of the rule of law has been called into question.

He says the review should be conducted by an independent judicial officer such as a retired High Court judge.

Mr Williams says the inquiry could also lay down guidelines to ensure a uniformity of practice in the future.

He says the investigation must help restore public faith in the police force.

New Zealand's top policeman says he has known about the allegations against the Assistant Commissioner for more than a decade but understood he had been cleared.

Commissioner Rob Robinson says he knew in 1990 that there were allegations but understood they had been investigated, reviewed, and the officers cleared.

He says he was not aware there was any question about the integrity of that review.

Meanwhile the Police Association fears the allegations will make it tougher for police to do their job.

The Association's Greg O'Connor says the public could lose confidence in the police, making their job more difficult.

The position of Assistant Commissioner Rickards, who is based in Auckland, will be reviewed tomorrow.

Rob Robinson says the Police Complaints Authority has been made aware of the matter.