Newstalk ZB
April 8, 2004

Police rape inquiry brief is queried

Police lawyer questions definitions in brief for the police rape Commission of Inquiry

There has been complex legal debate over what the police rape Commission of Inquiry should be looking into.

The new commission is holding its second meeting in Wellington.

Lawyer for the police Kristy McDonald is querying several definitions in the Commission's brief.

She says it refers to sexual assault, but does not define exactly what is meant by that.

Ms McDonald says there is concern about private conduct, but she believes the commission should not be concerning itself with matters of morality.

The Police Association's lawyer, Susan Hughes, also expressed concern that the commission should not be looking into officers' private lifestyle choices unless they are linked to an allegation before it.