Newstalk ZB
March 30, 2004

PCA files will be opened

Government changes laws to allow Commission of Inquiry to see PCA files

The Government is changing the law to allow the Commission of Inquiry into allegations of rape by police officers to open Police Complaints Authority files.

Legislation will get its first reading under urgency in Parliament this week.

Investigation files held by the Authority are currently subject to blanket secrecy provisions.

They are designed to allow the Authority to obtain frank information from the police and the public during investigations.

Associate Justice Minister Margaret Wilson says it is the view of the Government, the police and the inquiry that its investigation would be hampered if the files remained secret.