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Allegations of abuse
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peterellis
Home / police allegations / Rickards,
Shipton, Schollum vs Jane Doe Page 6 - Further Reaction to Not
Guilty Verdict |
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I retired from the New Zealand
Police in 1999 having completed 36 years of service, most of which was as a CIB
investigator. I enjoyed this experience and during this time worked alongside
many fellow officers, who with few exceptions earned my total respect. My duties often involved dealing
with complaints of a sexual nature, some of which were historic with complainants
coming forward several years after the event. There are many good and valid
reasons why this can occur. I found the nature of the offending in many of
these cases to be abhorrent. As we all now know, there was one
serving and two former police officers acquitted in the High Court last week
on abduction and indecency charges, allegedly committed at a time when all
three were still serving. Two have proven to be convicted rapists serving
appropriate prison sentences. I watched the TV One news coverage
last week when Clint Rickards addressed the media outside the courthouse soon
after his acquittal. He displayed arrogance and aggression toward his
accusers and the police team who investigated the complaints against him. He
also offered continued support and friendship to the two convicted rapists
and commented that they shouldn't be where they are (in prison). He was
clearly inferring that there had been impropriety and injustice in that
investigation and prosecution also. I know some of the police officers
who investigated the alleged crimes and am confident that these matters were
investigated with a high degree of competence and professionalism. I am clear
in my mind as to who I offer my admiration and support to. I know Clint Rickards and would
suggest to him that if he wishes to find a reason for his recent court
appearances as an accused, then he must search his own soul for an answer,
for there is one. Clint Rickards was acquitted of
the crimes that were alleged against him. However the investigations revealed
a lot of immoral behaviour which is clearly both unbecoming and of a much
lower standard than that expected of a police officer. It is therefore my
opinion that this man cannot continue in any capacity in the police service.
I would not be prepared to work with him and I feel sure there would be many
others. All of this has left a shameful
legacy for the New Zealand Police and personal disappointment and
embarrassment for myself. I feel ashamed to say the least. It has been said by some that
these recent outcomes will discourage many victims of sexual offending to
formalise complaints. I can only actively encourage anyone who finds
themselves in that unfortunate position to approach the police with
confidence. Today the police are much better equipped to deal with such
matters appropriately. Justice must prevail and
confidence in the police must be maintained. |
