Police acting on report's recommendations

New Zealand Police are already acting on the findings of the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct, Police Commissioner Howard Broad said today.

"We have learned from this process. We will own and fix any problems and focus on the future of Police and policing in New Zealand," said Mr Broad.

Mr Broad said he unreservedly and unequivocally apologises to the victims of the actions of the few officers who had let Police and the public down.

"I acknowledge the hurt and harm that has been done to you, your families and supporters. I am truly sorry that these few of our number have caused so much pain and grief that undermined that sense of high expectations New Zealanders rightly have of their police."

"I want to pass on my heartfelt thanks to all staff who have worked diligently and professionally through the long Commission of Inquiry process, continuing to achieve very good crime and crash reduction results."

Commissioner Broad said the report is not without criticism and examples of indiscretion, poor performance, ill-considered decision making and bad behaviour.

"The Commission of Inquiry has been a necessary external critique of New Zealand Police.

"However, following close and thorough scrutiny of the way we go about our business, the report does not point to systemic failings with Police policy, procedure, standards, training or behaviour.

"Instead, the matters which the Commission has highlighted point to specific instances where policy, procedure, standards, training or behaviour have been inadequate or have not been followed or understood. These are in the context of police officers investigating allegations of sexual assault by police officers or associates of police.

"It is also pleasing that the report notes steady improvement over the 25 year time frame under review. We appreciate this and will continue to focus on improvement."

Commissioner Broad said, over time, the actions and behaviour of a small number of staff have always taken a toll on the whole Police organisation in terms of reputation, public trust and confidence.

"The overwhelming majority of officers carry out their public duties to the highest standard - day in and day out - in very challenging circumstances. We all feel it when we get marked with the brush of errant behaviour.

"This has been clearly evident to me as I have travelled throughout the country in recent weeks.

"Some urged me to come out forcefully in defence but most acknowledged that our best path to restore trust and confidence is in our day to day actions making the streets and neighbourhoods of New Zealand as safe as we possibly can."

Commissioner Broad said implementation of many of the report's recommendations are already well advanced.

The report's 60 recommendations generally cover the following areas:

Police policy, practice and standards in the investigation of sexual assault by police and/or police associates;

Human resources - standards of personal behaviour, codes of conduct and disciplinary processes;

Monitoring of and compliance with policies and behavioural standards;

Police culture

The Police Complaints Authority

An implementation plan outlines where work has been completed, is underway or where further work will need to be taken to advance the recommendations. (see separate enclosure)

"This programme of work will give the public added confidence we are treating the report's recommendations, and the underlying issues, with the seriousness they deserve."

It is not yet known how long it will take to implement all the report's recommendations but we note Dame Margaret acknowledges some recommendations will take considerably longer than others to implement.

Mr Broad said Police would have no difficulty in working with external oversight of the implementation plan and in working with other agencies to progress the response to some of the recommendations.

"We'll put our own house in order and we won't mind who looks over our shoulder in the process," said Mr Broad.

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