POLICE METHODS NOT IMPROPER

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 112, 2 August 1927, Page 13

POLICE METHODS NOT IMPROPER

JUDGE’S COMMENT ANSWER TO COUNSEL The methods of the police in obtaining statements from apprehended persons were defended by Mr. Justice Herd man to-day. Allegations that improper methods were adopted were made by Mr. J. J. Sullivan when addressing the jury in the Supreme Court this morning in an ‘indecent assault case. Counsel contended that the methods employed did not reflect credit on the force. Mr. Justice Herdman, in his summing up, mentioned the allegations made, and pointed out that judges in England and the Dominion had laid down certain rules, which set out that th« police were not to be cramped in their investigation. “This kind of thing,” said his Honour, “is done as much in the interests of an innocent person as in the interests of a guilty man. Police officers must take statements from persons charged, and it will be understood how necessary it is for the protection of an innocent person that they are taken. It is also necessary that the police should have authority to question people, and, if not, then prosecutions will come to an end. The methods adopted are not improper, and are carried out judicially.”