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.
"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
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
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.