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