National seeks advice on police procedure

National Party Law & Order spokesman Simon Power is writing to the Police Commissioner seeking clarification of the policy surrounding the release of police reports.

“In light of the pre-release of extracts from a significant police report into the David Benson-Pope case, I think that police policy on these matters needs to be publicly clarified and explained.

“Is it now acceptable practice for the person at the centre of a police report to pre-release parts of that report before it has officially been signed off by the police?

“I worry that this has the potential to send a message to those who are accused of offences that if they play the system, they can launch a pre-emptive strike in a bid to erode the credibility and integrity of witness statements.

“These are serious questions relating to due process that will concern members of the legal fraternity and the public. I think the potential for this case creating a sloppy precedent also warrants police attention.

“New Zealanders will want to be assured that David Benson-Pope has been treated in exactly the same way as every other New Zealander who pre-emptively leaks a selective account of an official police document,” says Mr Power.

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