One News
February 15, 2004

Minister backs cop's standdown

Police Minister George Hawkins is backing the commissioner's decision to stand down a second high-ranking officer in an inquiry into claims of rape and a cover-up within the force.

Waikato district commander Kelvin Powell has been stood down after being declared an individual of interest to a police investigation into the historic allegation.

"We think the police are being very thorough in all their investigations," Hawkins says.

"I think that the public can be reassured that the police are leaving no stone unturned."

Powell has also been removed from his position as the security liaison officer for the New Zealand Olympic team.

Louise Nicholas alleges she was pack-raped by three serving Rotorua policemen in 1986, including assistant commissioner Clint Rickards.

He has already been stood down as Auckland's top police officer.

Louise Nicholas has accused the police of failing to properly investigate her complaints.

The three men vehemently deny the rape allegation.

The Police Commissioner's office says that it can't disclose the nature of the inquiry team's interest in Superintendent Powell because it doesnt want the investigation to be compromised in any way.

Inspector Bruce Scott has taken over command of the Waikato District, though that will be reviewed this week. Inspector Gary Allcock will take over the Olympic team role.