Newstalk ZB
February 20, 2004

Rape inquiry guidelines outlined

Commission of Inquiry into allegations of police sexual misconduct will not look at whether police are guilty of criminal offence

The guidelines for the inquiry into allegations of police sexual misconduct have been outlined.

The Commission of Inquiry will have fairly wide reaching powers but will not look at whether the police are guilty of any criminal offence.

The criminal allegations of rape and sexual violation with a police baton of a teenager in Rotorua in 1986 are being investigated by the police themselves.

The commission will look at police standards and codes relating to personal behaviour within the force including sexual conduct.

Police investigations carried out at the time of the allegations will be looked at.

Prime Minister Helen Clark says if the allegations that have been made indicate there are systemic problems, they will be identified and dealt with.