MEDIA STATEMENT
12 April 2011
immediate use
Investigation of Martin Folan

The conduct of Sgt Martin James Folan remains the subject of an investigation by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the Authority Chair Justice Lowell Goddard confirmed today.

The Authority was responding to the jury verdict in the Auckland District Court this morning. Sgt Folan was found not guilty of assaulting prisoners at the Henderson Police station.

The allegations were first referred to the Authority in 2010 by officials at Police National Headquarters. Justice Goddard visited the Henderson Police station in March 2010, to inspect the cells and speak to senior officers.

“Given the number of allegations against Sgt Folan, the number of independent witnesses, and the serious nature of the allegations, the only appropriate course of action for the Police was to prosecute him,” Justice Goddard said.

“Regardless of the outcome, the principles and courage of the other Police officers who came forward to testify is to be commended.”

“From the outset, the Waitakere Area Commander and the Waitemata District Commander took all appropriate steps to deal with these very serious allegations, and they too, are to be commended for their response.”

“The criminal charges against Sgt Folan were just one aspect of the Authority’s investigation, which remains ongoing,” Justice Goddard said.

ENDS

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