Officer drunk on duty?

Press, 25 February 1985, Page 5

Officer drunk on duty?

PA Auckland An Auckland traffic officer is being investigated by the Ministry of Transport for allegedly being drunk on duty. The officer came to the attention of a senior chief traffic officer during the recent visit to Auckland of an overseas dignitary. A number of traffic officers were stationed at intersections between the city and, Auckland Airport, but the senior officer noticed that one patrolman was absent from his motorcycle, the “New Zealand Herald” reported. A senior sergeant was sent to investigate and, when he found the officer, words were exchanged. It is believed that the patrolman jumped on his machine and rode off, with the sergeant

following. When they got back to the office the senior chief traffic officer was called in. Further argument followed and the man’s superiors formed the opinion that he was “under the influence.” He was asked to take a breathalyser test, which he failed, and then to take a blood-alcohol test. The regional secretary of transport, Mr Stewart Milne, confirmed that the officer was under investigation, but said the result of the test had still to come from the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research. If the test were positive, he said, the man would appear in court. The officer could also face disciplinary charges under the State Services Act and face possible dismissal.