Police officers were caught 685 times by speed cameras last year but 435 tickets were waived because they were on their way to emergencies, leaving 250 for accountability.
National Party's police spokesman, Chester Borrows, said officers were expected to abide by the law in the same way as the public, and their Speed Kills campaign should be backed by their own actions.
Sunday, 24 June 2007
Further black marks for police recruits
Fresh details have emerged of problems with police recruits following a damning internal report raising concerns about dangerously low training standards.
Information shows 64 charges have been laid against recruits in the past two years, ranging in seriousness from criminal to unprofessional.
It follows the release of a report that Police National Headquarters tried to keep secret - revealing the concerns of senior police college trainer and psychologist Senior Sergeant Iain Saunders.
Some recruits took three attempts to pass the entrance test. One had to be taught "how to write letters of the alphabet by drawing within bubble letters in the same style as a 5-year-old".
Information released under the Official Information Act reveals police investigated more than 60 allegations of misconduct against recruits at the police college in the past year.
Charges include assaults against fellow recruits and police officers, attempted burglary, academic dishonesty, bullying, exhibiting offensive material, fraud and failing to pay a taxi fare.
Police refused to reveal any more detail about the infringements because it might identify the recruits.
National's Chester Borrows described the report as "amazing".
He regarded the allegations against recruits as "worrying".
Police Minister Annette King has said it is not her job to screen recruits.
"It's just disgusting that she would try to slide out of responsibility for the standards of recruiting if she is the minister," Borrows said.
NZ First police spokesman Ron Mark said he had been aware "for years" that there were concerns within the police about lowering standards.
"I have heard anecdotal evidence from various officers... They were taking on recruits who didn't meet the standards required. I have heard of communication skills so poor that evidence had to be retaken by other officers. That's crucial."
Information shows 64 charges have been laid against recruits in the past two years, ranging in seriousness from criminal to unprofessional.
It follows the release of a report that Police National Headquarters tried to keep secret - revealing the concerns of senior police college trainer and psychologist Senior Sergeant Iain Saunders.
Some recruits took three attempts to pass the entrance test. One had to be taught "how to write letters of the alphabet by drawing within bubble letters in the same style as a 5-year-old".
Information released under the Official Information Act reveals police investigated more than 60 allegations of misconduct against recruits at the police college in the past year.
Charges include assaults against fellow recruits and police officers, attempted burglary, academic dishonesty, bullying, exhibiting offensive material, fraud and failing to pay a taxi fare.
Police refused to reveal any more detail about the infringements because it might identify the recruits.
National's Chester Borrows described the report as "amazing".
He regarded the allegations against recruits as "worrying".
Police Minister Annette King has said it is not her job to screen recruits.
"It's just disgusting that she would try to slide out of responsibility for the standards of recruiting if she is the minister," Borrows said.
NZ First police spokesman Ron Mark said he had been aware "for years" that there were concerns within the police about lowering standards.
"I have heard anecdotal evidence from various officers... They were taking on recruits who didn't meet the standards required. I have heard of communication skills so poor that evidence had to be retaken by other officers. That's crucial."
Police recruit standards plummet
Public safety is at risk as the standard of police recruits plummets, a damning secret internal report reveals.
Police chiefs have been accused of "turning a blind eye" to the consequences.
Many criminals and members of the public would be able to outsmart some officers.
The public are probably being placed at risk or offered very poor service.
A report reveals that Royal New Zealand Police College trainers are increasingly having to warn managers that "poor performers" have graduated and been posted to their area.
Police national headquarters had publicly lauded the number and quality of new recruits - but the information used was "inaccurate, misleading and poorly interpreted", warns the report, which was prepared late last year.
Police risked "significant embarrassment" if the actual details were made public.
Police national headquarters did not want the public to see these findings.
Allowing low-intelligence recruits to graduate as officers had flow-on consequences for police - including decisions they would make in incidents such as high-speed vehicle pursuits, and when to use force, such as a 50,000 volt Taser.
Police Minister Annette King said it was not her job to screen recruits.
Police chiefs have been accused of "turning a blind eye" to the consequences.
Many criminals and members of the public would be able to outsmart some officers.
The public are probably being placed at risk or offered very poor service.
A report reveals that Royal New Zealand Police College trainers are increasingly having to warn managers that "poor performers" have graduated and been posted to their area.
Police national headquarters had publicly lauded the number and quality of new recruits - but the information used was "inaccurate, misleading and poorly interpreted", warns the report, which was prepared late last year.
Police risked "significant embarrassment" if the actual details were made public.
Police national headquarters did not want the public to see these findings.
Allowing low-intelligence recruits to graduate as officers had flow-on consequences for police - including decisions they would make in incidents such as high-speed vehicle pursuits, and when to use force, such as a 50,000 volt Taser.
Police Minister Annette King said it was not her job to screen recruits.
Sunday, 17 June 2007
Officers Facing Charges
New figures show more than a dozen serving officers are facing criminal charges ranging from rape of a minor to wounding with intent.
The Office of the Commissioner is playing down the number and seriousness of the charges.
Police refused to name those facing criminal charges, but did confirm the 14 sworn officers held the rank of either constable or sergeant, and that they were from the Auckland, Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Tasman and Canterbury police districts.
The charges they face include: male assaults female, injuring with intent, common assault, excess breath alcohol, theft, careless driving, making a false statement, assault with a weapon, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, male rapes female, and male rapes female (aged between 12 and 16).
Some of the charges carry maximum prison terms of 14 years or more.
Police national manager for professional standards Stu Wildon would not say how many of those sworn officers had been stood down, suspended, or were on full or restricted duties.
The Office of the Commissioner is playing down the number and seriousness of the charges.
Police refused to name those facing criminal charges, but did confirm the 14 sworn officers held the rank of either constable or sergeant, and that they were from the Auckland, Waitemata, Counties Manukau, Bay of Plenty, Tasman and Canterbury police districts.
The charges they face include: male assaults female, injuring with intent, common assault, excess breath alcohol, theft, careless driving, making a false statement, assault with a weapon, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, male rapes female, and male rapes female (aged between 12 and 16).
Some of the charges carry maximum prison terms of 14 years or more.
Police national manager for professional standards Stu Wildon would not say how many of those sworn officers had been stood down, suspended, or were on full or restricted duties.
Monday, 11 June 2007
20% of Police from UK have left
Nearly one fifth of officers recruited from the United Kingdom who have served in the New Zealand Police have left.
The National Party last year expressed concern at the high attrition rate from the 2003 group, and called on Police Minister Annette King to look at what is happening.
Clearly, little has been done to arrest the rate of attrition.
You have to wonder if the conditions of work are made clear to them before we put the time and resources into training them.
The National Party last year expressed concern at the high attrition rate from the 2003 group, and called on Police Minister Annette King to look at what is happening.
Clearly, little has been done to arrest the rate of attrition.
You have to wonder if the conditions of work are made clear to them before we put the time and resources into training them.
Police attitude appals Muliagas
Folole Muliaga's children are devastated and their lawyer will lodge a complaint with the Commissioner of Police after an acrimonious meeting between the family and Police.
Talks with the police broke down after they refused "point blank" to show family lawyer Olinda Woodroffe copies of earlier statements by the children.
The Police gave no reason for their refusal, and the confrontation left Mrs Muliaga's 20-year-old son"too upset to talk".
The family were struggling to come to terms with Mrs Muliaga's death, and Saturday's meeting - arranged by Ms Woodroffe and attended by a Samoan interpreter - had left them "astounded" by the police attitude.
They are victims here, not suspects. Police should have a bit more sensitivity.
Ms Woodroffe last night confirmed that when she asked for copies of the earlier statements, the police said, "There's no need for you to see it".
She claims "They came in with an attitude."
She said it was not acceptable that the boys had earlier been interviewed without a lawyer or interpreter and without first being read their rights.
The Muliagas had initiated the meeting, but it did not proceed as Ms Woodroffe did not agree to the terms.
It is not the family's first run-in with police over Mrs Muliaga's death.
To conduct six-hour interviews with the Muliaga boys the day after their mother's death was "absolutely improper".
Talks with the police broke down after they refused "point blank" to show family lawyer Olinda Woodroffe copies of earlier statements by the children.
The Police gave no reason for their refusal, and the confrontation left Mrs Muliaga's 20-year-old son"too upset to talk".
The family were struggling to come to terms with Mrs Muliaga's death, and Saturday's meeting - arranged by Ms Woodroffe and attended by a Samoan interpreter - had left them "astounded" by the police attitude.
They are victims here, not suspects. Police should have a bit more sensitivity.
Ms Woodroffe last night confirmed that when she asked for copies of the earlier statements, the police said, "There's no need for you to see it".
She claims "They came in with an attitude."
She said it was not acceptable that the boys had earlier been interviewed without a lawyer or interpreter and without first being read their rights.
The Muliagas had initiated the meeting, but it did not proceed as Ms Woodroffe did not agree to the terms.
It is not the family's first run-in with police over Mrs Muliaga's death.
To conduct six-hour interviews with the Muliaga boys the day after their mother's death was "absolutely improper".
Bay of Plenty Police Brutality.
Four Whakatane police officers accused of assault have been committed for trial.
Sergeants Keith Parsons, 51, and Erle Busby, 46, senior constable Bruce Laing, 45, and constable John Mills, 38, are jointly accused of assaulting a man with pepper spray and batons in the Whakatane police cells in October.
Tauranga-based lawyer Rachael Adams entered not guilty pleas on behalf of the four police officers.
All were remanded for a callover in the Tauranga District Court on July 26.
Busby faces three charges of assault using a police tactical baton and one charge of assault using a police side handle baton.
Parsons faces two charges of assault using a tactical baton and one charge of assault using pepper spray.
Laing and Mills are each charged with assault using pepper spray.
Sergeants Keith Parsons, 51, and Erle Busby, 46, senior constable Bruce Laing, 45, and constable John Mills, 38, are jointly accused of assaulting a man with pepper spray and batons in the Whakatane police cells in October.
Tauranga-based lawyer Rachael Adams entered not guilty pleas on behalf of the four police officers.
All were remanded for a callover in the Tauranga District Court on July 26.
Busby faces three charges of assault using a police tactical baton and one charge of assault using a police side handle baton.
Parsons faces two charges of assault using a tactical baton and one charge of assault using pepper spray.
Laing and Mills are each charged with assault using pepper spray.
Wednesday, 6 June 2007
South Auckland Police Racism
Racist remark undermines police efforts with Asians
Racist comments by a senior detective do nothing to encourage Asians to come forward to report crime.
Senior detective Neil Grimstone commented to a conference on Chinese organised crime that some who could be 'blindfolded with a shoelace' couldn’t be trusted.
Counties Manukau police district commander, Superintendent Steve Shortland admitted Grimstone was under investigation.
But Shortland said Grimstone's remarks were "totally inappropriate and unacceptable" and defied police orders.
Muliaga family accuse police of racism
Police investigating the death of south Auckland woman Folole Muliaga have been accused of institutionalised racism by her family.
Family spokesman, Brenden Sheehan, said they were "hugely insensitive" and had shown "institutionalised racism" by not knowing how to deal with other cultures.
Mr Sheehan said he received a telephone message from police saying he was expecting one of Mrs Muliaga's sons to be interviewed with a lawyer present and "could he come down to the police station that day.
"Obviously I didn't return the call but it's outrageous. These people are victims. What hope has any brown person got if they are a suspect in a case in this country.
"If they treat victims like this how do they treat suspects?"
Mr Sheehan said he was also "disgusted and appalled" that the police had apparently said publicly that no charges would be laid because Mrs Muliaga was a very sick woman.
He said the unnamed police source was quoted in The Press newspaper after police had earlier told him they would not comment publicly but then breached their own undertaking by doing so.
He said he was "furious" and did not want to speak yet to police about it but the family now wanted a fresh police team to take over the inquiry.
"I think the investigation is so compromised at this stage that it cannot possibly produce a fair and balanced report."
The officer in charge of the inquiry, Detective Inspector Jim Gallagher, refused to comment on the claims.
Racist comments by a senior detective do nothing to encourage Asians to come forward to report crime.
Senior detective Neil Grimstone commented to a conference on Chinese organised crime that some who could be 'blindfolded with a shoelace' couldn’t be trusted.
Counties Manukau police district commander, Superintendent Steve Shortland admitted Grimstone was under investigation.
But Shortland said Grimstone's remarks were "totally inappropriate and unacceptable" and defied police orders.
Muliaga family accuse police of racism
Police investigating the death of south Auckland woman Folole Muliaga have been accused of institutionalised racism by her family.
Family spokesman, Brenden Sheehan, said they were "hugely insensitive" and had shown "institutionalised racism" by not knowing how to deal with other cultures.
Mr Sheehan said he received a telephone message from police saying he was expecting one of Mrs Muliaga's sons to be interviewed with a lawyer present and "could he come down to the police station that day.
"Obviously I didn't return the call but it's outrageous. These people are victims. What hope has any brown person got if they are a suspect in a case in this country.
"If they treat victims like this how do they treat suspects?"
Mr Sheehan said he was also "disgusted and appalled" that the police had apparently said publicly that no charges would be laid because Mrs Muliaga was a very sick woman.
He said the unnamed police source was quoted in The Press newspaper after police had earlier told him they would not comment publicly but then breached their own undertaking by doing so.
He said he was "furious" and did not want to speak yet to police about it but the family now wanted a fresh police team to take over the inquiry.
"I think the investigation is so compromised at this stage that it cannot possibly produce a fair and balanced report."
The officer in charge of the inquiry, Detective Inspector Jim Gallagher, refused to comment on the claims.
Friday, 1 June 2007
Another case not being given due diligence - COA.
COA - Cover Our Asses
A woman who alleges she was sexually harassed while she was employed by New Zealand Police has had an application to take the matter straight to the Employment Court denied.
The woman, named only Ms C because she has name suppression, alleges she was harassed in various ways, mostly sexual, while she was employed by the police and it led to her being unjustifiably dismissed in June last year.
She applied to have her case removed from the Employment Relations Authority list and taken to the Employment Court on the grounds that it was of such a nature and urgency it was in the public interest to do so.
Ms C made links to Dame Margaret Bazley's damning report into police conduct and the high-profile trials of police officers.
However, Police Commissioner Howard Broad said Dame Margaret's report was not relevant to this case and it could be dealt with much less formally and at a lower cost by the ERA.
ERA member Greg Wood denied Ms C's application.
Policewatch Mrs C, ignore the protestations of the kangaroo bureaucracy, bring your story out publiclyto us, then that they who should be judged, are, and in full view!
Win, win, further cleansing of the barrel!
A woman who alleges she was sexually harassed while she was employed by New Zealand Police has had an application to take the matter straight to the Employment Court denied.
The woman, named only Ms C because she has name suppression, alleges she was harassed in various ways, mostly sexual, while she was employed by the police and it led to her being unjustifiably dismissed in June last year.
She applied to have her case removed from the Employment Relations Authority list and taken to the Employment Court on the grounds that it was of such a nature and urgency it was in the public interest to do so.
Ms C made links to Dame Margaret Bazley's damning report into police conduct and the high-profile trials of police officers.
However, Police Commissioner Howard Broad said Dame Margaret's report was not relevant to this case and it could be dealt with much less formally and at a lower cost by the ERA.
ERA member Greg Wood denied Ms C's application.
Policewatch Mrs C, ignore the protestations of the kangaroo bureaucracy, bring your story out publiclyto us, then that they who should be judged, are, and in full view!
Win, win, further cleansing of the barrel!
Office of the Commisioner - Tweaking
Police Commissioner's rule reviewed
The roles and responsibilities of the Police Commissioner could be in for a tweaking.
"A discussion document" on a proposed revamp of the police legislation suggests the Commissioner's role and powers be clarified. It also recommends clear boundaries be set regarding the relationship between the Commissioner and the Minister of Police.
Policewatch: Who is discussing this document?
Other proposals include amending the Privacy Act for more information sharing, making it compulsory for people to supply ID to police when requested, and strengthening police powers for dealing with groups or crowds.
Policewatch: Dealing with groups or crowds
Patched Gangs ( mongrel mob > boy scouts including the Police themselves fill this category)
Teenage parties alledgedly out of Control?
Fathers Coalition protests outside homes of corrupt Judges and lawyers?
Anti - war peaceniks outside Te Papa?
Review spokesman Superintendent Hamish McArdle says the document attempts to write the independence of the police into law. It also suggests giving the Police Commissioner the power to convene formal inquiries into his or her organisation. Currently this is solely restricted to the Minister of Police.
Mr McArdle is urging the public to make their opinions on the review known.
Policewatch Hamish how do we make our opinion known?
The roles and responsibilities of the Police Commissioner could be in for a tweaking.
"A discussion document" on a proposed revamp of the police legislation suggests the Commissioner's role and powers be clarified. It also recommends clear boundaries be set regarding the relationship between the Commissioner and the Minister of Police.
Policewatch: Who is discussing this document?
Other proposals include amending the Privacy Act for more information sharing, making it compulsory for people to supply ID to police when requested, and strengthening police powers for dealing with groups or crowds.
Policewatch: Dealing with groups or crowds
Patched Gangs ( mongrel mob > boy scouts including the Police themselves fill this category)
Teenage parties alledgedly out of Control?
Fathers Coalition protests outside homes of corrupt Judges and lawyers?
Anti - war peaceniks outside Te Papa?
Review spokesman Superintendent Hamish McArdle says the document attempts to write the independence of the police into law. It also suggests giving the Police Commissioner the power to convene formal inquiries into his or her organisation. Currently this is solely restricted to the Minister of Police.
Mr McArdle is urging the public to make their opinions on the review known.
Policewatch Hamish how do we make our opinion known?
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