Green Party
February 4, 2004
Press Release
Greens want Police inquiry made public
The Green Party has
welcomed the announcement of a Commission of Inquiry into the systematic issues
raised by the alleged failure of the police to properly investigate rape
allegations against former Rotorua police officers.
However the Greens are concerned that the Commission of Inquiry Act 1908, under
which the "framework investigation" will be carried out, does not
adequately guarantee a fully public process.
"The commission's terms of reference should specifically allow the public
to make submissions so that the inquiry head cannot impose arbitrary
definitions of who is, and isn't, an 'interested person'," said Keith
Locke, Green Spokesperson on the Police.
"Public hearings should be held wherever possible so the process is open
to scrutiny, as this inquiry will determine the nature of future investigations
into Police behaviour and, possibly, the practical jurisdiction of the Police
Complaints Authority.
"Only then can the public have true confidence in the inquiry process and
the integrity of the police."