Paper released on police examiner

Press, 8 February 1985, Page 23

Paper released on police examiner

PA Wellington The police have suggested that the Government’s proposed independent examiner into complaints against them should have a legal and practical background and criminal courtroom experience. The examiner should also be able to assume responsibility for an inquiry if the Government considered it necessary, a police discussion paper says. The paper, released by the Minister of Police, Mrs Hercus, says that the present system of dealing with complaints works under strict rules prescribed to ensure its impartiality and thoroughness. It acknowledges, however, that ongoing public debate on the outcome of “internal” inquiries has the potential to damage the police image. “There is a willingness to seek a system which will have wider acceptability,” the paper says. Mrs Hercus said it was the Government’s policy to establish an office of Examiner of Police Practices, and individuals and organ-

isations who wanted to put ideas forward should write direct to her before April 30. The paper says the immense problems of institutionalised corruption facing some overseas police forces does not exist in New Zealand. The number of complaints are also relatively few in. number, considering there are more than 5000 members of whom 1000 are usually on duty at once. Many members regularly face “conflict” situations and the fact that complaints are so few is a credit to their professionalism and diplomacy, the paper says. It is considered that an appointee to look into complaints should be an ongoing responsibility rather than a “one off” basis. They would, therefore, become fully aware of their role and police practices, the paper says. Another alternative — to use the office of the Ombudsman — would require a greater degree of specialisation, it says. It also considers that a panel of three or more persons would be unwieldy and unnecessary.