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.