POLICE METHODS

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 December 1940, Page 8

POLICE METHODS

EVIDENCE AT INQUIRY MISS X AND DETECTIVES [per press association.] PALMERSTON N., December 10. The hearing of evidence was commenced by the Commission of In- [ quiry into police investigations, the members being Mr Justice Ostler, I Messrs Cornish (Solicitor-General) and O’Leary (president of the Law Society)., Counsel are: Mr H. R. Biss, for four police officers, concerned, Mr W. P. Rollings on instructions of the Police Association for the detectives and Mr A. T. Young, for the young woman, concerned and her family. Commissioner Cummings, and the local Inspector, Scott, are also present. The name of the young woman was suppressed, also all references to the places of her occupation which might lead to her identification, witness being referred to as Miss X. In evidence, Miss X said that she was cooking an evening meal at her home, when two men, with suitcases, came to the back door, and said they were detective?. They asked witness about a man who went in a railcar to Palmerston .North, and asked if, she had given him a paper. Witness said

“Yes.” They said they knew everything that happened in Palmerston North. One man asked if she had seen two women on the station. Witmess said “No.” The man said a I newspaper reporter had seen her with I the women, and newspaper reporters did not .tell lies. The men were Detective , Sergeant Jarrold and Detective Allsopp. ' Witness’s father arrived and went on to the verandah with Jarrold. Detective Allsopp told witness not to worry, that if she told the truth, she would be all right. Jarrold came back, and the two detectives started taking down a statement from witness on a typewriter. Nothing was said to witness that she need, or need not, make a statement. Several times, witness was told not to worry. If she told the truth, she would be all right. The detectives asked her about any letters. "She said she burnt them. They said it was funny for her to burn love letters, that she should tie them up with a blue ribbon and keep them. Witness secured one letter she had received the day before, and gave it to them. When witness’s mother and father came in for tea, witness and the detectives left the kitchen. When witness’s mother came in, a transfer was made to the sitting room, the door of which was shut. The making of the statement commenced about 5.30 p.m. Mr. Young: Did they tell you they were going to prosecute you, or might prosecute you?.. , Witness: No. They did not tell me.

Mr. Young: Did they indicate to you that they were going to prosecute anybody else?—No.

Miss X added that it was about 10.30 p.m., when they came out of the room. Meantime, Allsopp got cups of tea for the three, and persuaded witness also- to eat. He got a rug for her. The detectives read the statement through, asked if it were correct, if there was anything witness wanted crossed out, and also to sign it. She did so. They shook hands and told her

, NOT TO WORRY, and go back to her work again. They did not tell her, or leave the impression she would be prosecuted. A week later, Jarrold rang up and said she would have to go to Court. When Mr. Biss was proceeding to cross-examine witness, in considerable detail, relating to the interview, Mr. Justice Ostler asked was such detail absolutely necessary. So far as his Honor could see, the girl had not made a single charge of impropriety against these police officers. Witness, to Mr Biss, said the officers were .very good to her, and even persuaded her to get a doctor at that late hour. The father of the girl gave evidence, and said he did not get the impression the detectives were being unfair. He saw no bullying occur. Witness said to one detective when he came out of the room, “You are a long time.” The reply was, “It’s a long story.” Another member of the family who came home well after 10 o’clock, said “it was a shame,” and threatened to go “and pull them all out” of the room. When the girl came out, she Was “properly broken down.” Witness did riot have any impression his daughter was to be charged.

JUDGE’S COMPLIMENT. A statement from the girl’s mother was put in. She said she did not see anything against the conduct of the two officers. They appeared to show her daughter every Mr. Biss, making representations on behalf of the police officers, detailed exhaustive detective work in the case, the only clue being the name on a . newspaper found with the body of a child. This led to the interview with the young woman, in furtherance of the investigations, purely as one who might assist. Actually, she confessed to being the mother of the child. There was nothing to suggest, prior to this, that she was such. Judge Ostler observed it was a remarkably smart bit of work. v Mr. Biss proceeded, saying that the detectives called on the woman, believing they were on the track of the person making a living by carrying out such operations. Mr. Biss mentioned that Jarrold was very ill, and the CoUrt agreed to his evidence being taken in Wellington, later. In evidence, Allsopp said that Jarrold introduced himself and witness to the young woman, after they found her name. She : was asked if her mbther were present. The nature of the inquiry was explained to her. (Proceeding). ,