Act Party
February 2, 2004
Revelations Re-Iterate Need For Urgent Inquiry
by Muriel Newman
ACT New Zealand
Police Spokesman Dr Muriel Newman today demanded to know why Police Minister
George Hawkins has not yet ordered an urgent independent inquiry into the
alleged police rape of Louise Nicholas – especially after revelations that at
least two other sex cases have been mishandled.
“This situation could have been resolved years ago, had Mr Hawkins simply taken
action when he first learned of these allegations – before officer Clint
Rickards was appointed Assistant Police Commissioner,” Dr Newman said.
“Now, thanks to Mr Hawkins’ incompetence and apathy, public confidence in
police is wavering. With these
allegations not being addressed in a timely manner, we now have reports of a
conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of police.
“The New Zealand Police is a Government agency, and Labour has a duty to ensure
that it runs with effectiveness and transparency. When serious concerns are raised about other
agencies, like CYF, independent inquiries are carried out to maintain public
confidence.
“Both Mr Hawkins and Prime Minister Helen Clark had a duty to investigate these
accusations. Miss Clark now confesses to
having judged Mr Rickards unsuitable for promotion over these accusations in
1999 – yet she failed in her obligation, to the complainant and police, to
properly examine the situation in order to ascertain the truth.
“Now, the reputation of police is at serious risk. Like any Government agency, police rely on a
public perception that everything is above board, and law-abiding New
Zealanders must know they need not fear those who are supposed to protect them.
“The Minister and his Labour colleagues cannot sit on their hands any
longer. I demand that Mr Hawkins order
an independent inquiry. The public
deserves to be reassured that the outcome of this inquiry is beyond doubt – and
that any vindication of these officers is not simply a whitewash, or a case of
police looking after their own,” Dr Newman said.