NZ Herald
March 23, 2004
Police-rape inquiry faces legal gag
by Jo-Marie Brown
A secrecy clause that prevents the Police Complaints Authority from divulging
information may hinder the commission of inquiry looking into police pack rape
allegations.
The legal obstacle was raised at the inquiry's first public hearing in
Under the Police Complaints Authority Act 1988, PCA members and the
organisation's staff cannot be called to give evidence in respect of any
investigation they have undertaken.
The PCA have in the past conducted two inquiries into the way former Rotorua
CIB head John Dewar investigated various rape complaints made by Louise
Nicholas - one complimented him on a job well done while the other said he
showed a gross lack of judgment and competence.
John Upton, QC, who represented the PCA at yesterday's hearing, explained that
the secrecy provisions were likely to pose major difficulties in terms of how
much information the PCA could provide.
"I'm sorry to be so negative early in these proceedings, but it's a
reality we need to recognise," Mr Upton said.
"The authority does wish to co-operate, but even with the best will in the
world we do have this legislative blanket which seems to be all
enveloping."
Mr Upton said he was reviewing the secrecy provisions to establish exactly what
information the PCA could provide. He would report back when the commission
meets next on April 8.
The Government set up the commission to look into police conduct and the
procedures officers use when investigating complaints of a sexual nature made
against their colleagues.
But Justice Robertson said yesterday that the fact a separate criminal
investigation was underway could also delay the commission's inquiry.
Mrs Nicholas has accused
A second woman, Judith Garrett, also claims she was raped by a police constable
in Kaitaia in 1988.
"Clearly, there's an ongoing issue that will require careful and sensible
attention to ensure that nobody's rights are infringed," Justice Robertson
said.
Ten weeks have been set aside between May and September for the hearings to be
held, and the commissioners said the inquiry would primarily focus on incidents
and procedures adhered to over the past 25 years.
Mr Robertson reminded those present that it was not the commission's job to
determine criminal guilt.
"Our task is, 'was there a complaint made' and 'was it appropriately
responded to'."
The commission was also limited to examining complaints of sexual misconduct by
officers made to the police.
"There are some people that have written in drawing to our attention
matters where they say they are subject to inappropriate behaviour, but there
are no references to the police at all.
"Those matters would not fall within our terms of reference."