One News
May 4 2004

Inquiry to get police rape details

A parliamentary select committee has rejected concerns that the Commission of Inquiry into the handling of police rape claims could harm officers who have given information to the Police Complaints Authority.

The committee has reported back on legislation that would open up the authority's files to the commission.

The Police Association and the Police Managers Guild had attacked the bill, saying information given to the authority should remain confidential. There were also concerns that information could be used against officers at a later date.

But the committee says existing provisions in the law should ensure that cannot  happen.

The Police Association had called for identifying details to be removed, and for individual consent to be sought before information is released to the Commission.

President Greg O'Connor says police officers made statements to the authority on the understanding they would be private for all time.

He says the committee's stance will jeopardise civilian oversight of police actions