NZ Herald
March 22, 2004
Rape-probe parties to get together
by Jo-Marie Brown
The commission of
inquiry set up to look into historic rape allegations against police officers
and claims of cover-ups will hold its first public hearing today.
More than a dozen lawyers representing the different police staff, victims and
other interested parties are expected to attend the hearing in
Justice Bruce Robertson and Dame Margaret Bazley have
until November 1 to report to the Government on matters that arose after Louise
Nicholas claimed that police officers pack-raped and sexually assaulted her in
Rotorua and Murupara in the 1980s.
Since Mrs Nicholas went public with her complaint in February, several other
women have come forward alleging that they, too, had been sexually assaulted by
police officers.
When Prime Minister Helen Clark announced that a commission of inquiry would be
held, she said it was vital there was strong public confidence in the police.
"For its part, the Government is concerned to ensure there is a full,
independent investigation into the way in which the police, at the time, dealt
with these allegations," she said.
As a result, the commission will hear evidence about police conduct and the
procedures staff used when investigating allegations of sexual assault and
abuse made against their colleagues.
The standards and codes relating to the personal behaviour of officers -
including sexual conduct - will also be scrutinised.
The commission will not determine the guilt or innocence of the police
involved. A separate criminal investigation is already under way into Mrs
Nicholas' allegations.
The
All three men deny any wrongdoing but admit having had consensual sex with her.
Expressions of interest from people wanting to be heard by the commission are
still being received and the commission may start calling witnesses to give
evidence as early as next month.
But Department of Internal Affairs spokesman Colin Feslier
said today's hearing would focus solely on procedural matters.
THE INQUIRY
Two types - Royal Commissions usually examine policy matters (such as genetic
modification in 2000); standard Commissions investigate matters of conduct or
major accidents (such as Cave Creek in 1995).
The most serious response to an issue available to the Government
Has same legal powers as a court to summon witnesses and obtain evidence
Is flexible allowing the Commissioners to run the inquiry as they see fit
Process and findings seen to be politically independent and credible
Can recommend policy or legislative changes