Police must stop playing dumb

Candor Trust disputes NZ Police absurd claim that they have "no idea how big the drug-driving problem is" in New Zealand.

That two people have been prosecuted for driving under the influence of drugs since it became an offence in November was a predictable matter, given that Police have acknowledged that top fail a field test you must be displaying impairment equivalent to that seen at nearly twice the alcohol limit.

Candor's coordinator Rachael Ford says it's members take strong issue with
Superintendent Paula Rose' claim there is little research on people who are behind the wheel after using cannabis or amphetamines.

She says it will take some time before police know how big a problem they are dealing with. "What a great excuse for sitting on their laurels, while we suffer road tolls double per capita to those found in civilised lands".

"This play dumb front is taking prevaricating to extremes, Ms Rose is not fit to lead the road safety charge, if this is her genuine belief.

It is somewhat correct as regards amphetamines, but if she thinks the cannabis risk and contribution is not well understood she needs to return to Police college.

Police have gathered bulk info since 2004 (at road side surveys and from deceased driver blood tests) which without fail identifies cannabis as the major unaddressed youth toll driver, and the drugs causing death don't change as she has mischievously implied. In fact, such a claim if it was ever made on the International stage would make NZ a laughing stock.

"we're quite amazed at the audacity of the Police's marketing advisors in thinking they can conspire to issue such great lies - justified by compliance with the greatest enforceable risk policy, which prohibits major awareness raising for matters outside of speed, intersections and alcohol.

It would be amusing if not so deadly - within a shameful situation of NZ being the only developed country (to our knowledge) which lacks a substantial results driven drug driving campaign. Very disappointing given Police are lawfully required to protect life - dead kids en masse are the result of all this shuffling evasion Ms Rose. Just look to how Victoria's toll was slashed by drug testing - it's not rocket science Ms Rose".

Candor Trust is determined this year to oust the policy of "greatest enforceable risk" publicity - a grand lie machine. Options being examined are private prosecutions of guilty officials, including those who repeatedly make false statements, and appeal for judicial review of the current and next decades priorities.

ENDS

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