NZ Herald
March 8, 2004

Police taunted over rape allegations
by Louisa Cleave

Police on the frontline have endured "barbed comments and sarcasm" since allegations of a pack-rape were made public, according to their boss.

Commissioner Rob Robinson has encouraged staff to keep focused on the job and maintain professionalism in a message in the police newsletter, Ten One.

Mr Robinson tells staff it may be some time before the allegations and issues surrounding the officers are dealt with. There would be further reshuffling in three districts - Auckland, Waikato and Southern - where the commanders have either been stood down or are involved in investigating the allegations.

"In the meantime, I ask that we all maintain our focus on crime and crash reduction and support one another as we wait for the processes to unfold," he wrote.

He acknowledged the impact of the allegations on staff - particularly those "carrying out general duties policing, operating switchboards, working in watch houses and in other situations involving public contact, who have had to endure barbed comments and sarcasm." He thanked them for "remaining professional in the face of some difficulty."

Mr Robinson said there had also been many "wonderful expressions of support" from the community.

"Ultimately, good will come out of the transparency and accountability demanded of us all."