The Press
February 17, 2004
Robertson and Bazley head police cover-up inquiry
by Tracy Watkins
Allegations of
sexual offending by police officers are expected to be aired at public hearings
when a Commission of Inquiry begins probing claims of a cover-up.
Prime Minister Helen Clark has announced that the Commission will be headed by
High Court judge Bruce Robertson and a top public servant, Dame Margaret Bazley.
Police Association president Greg O'Connor said the
Government could not have appointed "anyone better" than the two
commissioners.
The association was confident that they were capable of objectivity, fairness,
and professionalism in their handling of the inquiry.
"There may well be more (cases) and they must be able to inquire into like
instances because we are endeavouring to see whether there is a systemic
problem here.
"People should come forward as quickly as possible so the commission can
get on with its work."
Fresh allegations about sexual offending by police officers have surfaced since
it was reported that Louise Nicholas alleged she was pack-raped in 1986 by two
former police officers, Bob Schollum and Brad Shipton and
The men have admitted having sex with her but deny rape. Rickards has been
stood down.
Police have reopened a criminal investigation into her allegations.
A second senior police officer, Kelvin Powell, was stood down from all duties
for the duration of the investigation on Saturday.
Deputy Commissioner Steve Long said Powell was an "individual of
interest" but would not elaborate.
Another woman, Judith Garrett, has complained about sexual abuse by police
officers in Kaitaia in 1988.
A former Rotorua teenager has claimed that a policeman lured her for sex at the
same house where Nicholas alleges she was raped.
Legislation overhauling the body responsible for investigating complaints about
the police, the Police Complaints Authority, has been put on hold till the
Commission of Inquiry reports back to the Governor-General on November 1.
Terms of reference for the inquiry are still being drafted but
It would also inquire into the police standards and codes in relation to
personal behaviour, including sexual conduct.