Stuff
March 8, 2004
Police Commissioner hails rape inquiry
NZPA
An independent
public inquiry into allegations of sexual impropriety by current and former
police officers is needed to maintain public confidence in the force, Police
Commissioner Rob Robinson says.
In a message to staff published in police magazine Ten-One today, Mr Robinson
said staff had had to endure "barbed comments and sarcasm" since
details of historical rape allegations were made public.
Last month the Government announced an inquiry would be carried out by High
Court judge Justice Bruce Robertson and former senior public servant Dame
Margaret Bazley into police conduct and procedure
when receiving and investigating allegations of sexual assault made against
members of the police or their associates.
The inquiry was announced following allegations by Rotorua woman Louise
Nicholas that police assistant commissioner Clint Rickards, who has been stood
down from his job as
The three men strenuously deny the allegations.
Deputy Police Commissioner Steve Long is heading an internal police
investigation of the allegations for criminal liability.
Mr Robinson told staff he welcomed the inquiry.
"Public trust and confidence in New Zealand Police is the supreme issue
that must be addressed, and given the nature of the current set of allegations
involving police officers, that issue can only be resolved by authorities
beyond police."
Events of the past month had placed police under much media and public
attention, Mr Robinson said.
"It has been, and continues to be, challenging for all of us as we strive
to maintain our professionalism and operational focus. At times such as these
we must all reflect on the fact that our powers to carry out the functions and
duties required of us depend entirely on public approval."
Mr Robinson appealed for police to maintain their focus on crime and crash reduction
and support each other while the legal process unfolds.
The commission is due to report back in November.
"The events of recent weeks have affected each and every one of us, but I
encourage you to maintain pride and professionalism in your role," Mr
Robinson wrote.
"While the year ahead will be a testing one for the organisation and many
individuals, we can take some comfort that ultimately long term good will come out of the transparency and accountability
demanded of us all."