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 Auckland commander, and two former police officers – Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum – pack-raped her in a police house in Rotorua in the 1980s.

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."