Newstalk ZB
March 31, 2004
Police bosses support PCA decision
While police managers appear to support law change to allow PCA files to be
opened, Police Association is not so sure
Police bosses appear to support the Government's decision to change the law to
allow a Commission of Inquiry into police rape allegations to view Police
Complaints Authority files.
At present, secrecy provisions governing the PCA prevent the inquiry from
accessing some relevant material.
The Government's proposed amendment to the current law would see files
generated by police, on behalf of the PCA, provided to the inquiry.
Assistant Commissioner Howard Broad says police understand the Commission's
activities should not be hampered by an inability to access material which the
Commission considers vital to its operation.
However, the Police Association fears a worrying precedent will be set by
Government plans to change to law to suit the Commission of Inquiry into police
conduct.
The Government says it only intends changing the law for the current inquiry.
But Police Association president Greg O'Connor says an alternative possibility
would be for the Government to give the inquiry's Commissioners temporary
powers of the PCA.
He says that way, the identities of people who came out against the police,
including internal police whistleblowers, can remain private.