Police Acknowledge and Accept IPCA Report Findings

The Independent Police Action Authority (IPCA) today released a report on the police response to historic allegations of sexual assaults against recruits by police-contracted doctors between 2002 and 2014/15.

The police acknowledge and accept the findings of the investigation.

Deputy Commissioner Tania Kura said: “Police want to recognize those who have been harmed and those who have the courage to come forward and speak out when they feel something is wrong.

“This is clearly a situation in which the police’s high standards in dealing with historical allegations of this kind have not been met.

“It is important to note that both the police’s own criminal investigation and the disciplinary investigation by the Medical Council’s Physician Disciplinary Tribunal did not provide sufficient grounds for further action, including criminal charges.”

“Nevertheless, the police believe that their response to these historic allegations was neither robust nor timely enough given their seriousness, and that this was the institutional framework of the time. I acknowledge that it reflects a serious problem.”

The police admit that between 2002 and 2014/15 there were failures in fulfilling the organization’s obligations as an employer to the safety and health of its staff and recruits. Concerns raised about the conduct of police-contracted doctors were not adequately addressed at the time.

Police also acknowledged IPCA findings that the criminal investigation into the charges made in 2017 was of an acceptable standard, and that recruits who came forward were provided adequate support during and after the investigation.

Vice-Chairman Tania Kula said: “The lack of responsiveness is especially sad given our values ​​as an organization. Respect is one of our key values ​​and treating others as we would like to be treated Be the driving force behind the standards you set for yourself.

“We want our staff to know that their safety and health are extremely important, and the police are taking steps to ensure that complaints are properly investigated and managed to prevent something like this from happening again. I have.”

Under the police’s “Kiatu – Standing Together” policy, all police officers and recruits have clear channels to raise concerns about unacceptable behavior and to ensure that these reports are handled appropriately. There is a clear process of The support services available are confidential, tailored to an individual’s specific needs, and provide clear consequences for addressing conduct found to be unacceptable or illegal.

Medical evaluations of those applying for police enlistment were reviewed by occupational health professionals and approved as fit for purpose. Details of the medical evaluation are published on the New Cops website. Applicants will be evaluated by their primary care physician or trusted physician.

Police have reminded staff through the police intranet how to submit a report through the Kia Tō – Stand Together reporting platform. Complaints about sexual assault can be made in the same manner as members of the general public who wish to make a complaint, through means such as 105 telephone calls and online reporting.

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Published by Police Media Center