Stuff
April 17, 2004
Commission 'not investigating police morals'
NZPA
The Commission of
Inquiry looking into allegations of police misconduct says it will not be
undertaking a general investigation of the private morality of police officers.
The inquiry, which was established after Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas alleged
she was pack-raped in the 1980s by three police officers, begins hearings next
month. It will also look into other rape allegations which have since emerged.
The commission yesterday issued its first ruling, outlining definitions of
sexual assault and unprofessional behaviour following representations from the
NZ Police Association and others.
It also confirmed it would cover complaints from January 1 1979 to the present
day.
"That may have to be reviewed in light of issues which come to attention,
but in the meantime that is the span in which we have interest," the
commission said in a statement.
It said its approach would be that the inquiry was based on concerns of people
who alleged they had been inappropriately treated by police or their
associates, had complained about it, and remained dissatisfied with the
response.
"Obviously we will be concerned about behaviour which could be
unlawful," the commission said.
"We will be anxious to know whether there is other sexual conduct that
impinges upon, or has a nexus with, an alleged wrongdoers position as a member
of the
"We are not undertaking a general inquiry into the moral behaviour of
police officers in their private capacity which properly has no consequence for
their work as a police officer."