Police head praised

Press, 22 January 1982, Page 4

Police head praised

HA Wellington Mr M. K. Moore, the Labour member of Parliament for Papanui. has congratulated the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Mr K. O. Thompson) for his stand on the “clowns affair." Mr Moore, who earlier this week expressed concern at what he called "a nearFascist outlook" among a minority of the police force, said yesterday: "We have the best force in the world and

we must keep it that way." Mr Moore's criticisms' of the way the Auckland police had handled the investigation into allegations that the police beat up three people dressed as clowns during the Springbok tour, and similar criticisms from elsewhere, were followed by a strong statement from Mr Thompson saying lawbreakers were not wanted in the police. Mr Thompson rejected Mr Moore's "near-Fascist" comments.

Mr Moore yesterday also criticised the' Minister of Police (Mr Couch) calling on him to “come out from under his desk and take the responsibility for his job."

Mr Couch should "speak up and defend the good name of our excellent force from the activities of a small number of members whose actions have embarrassed most of their colleagues." Mr Moore said.