By ALISON HORWOOD and VERNON SMALL
Waitara Maori are warning that the policeman cleared of blame for killing Steven Wallace could be in danger if he returns to the Taranaki town.
The warning last night followed comments from Police Commissioner Rob Robinson that the constable was "intensely relieved" and apparently committed to continuing his career after a police investigation found he had acted lawfully.
A decision on whether he would return to Waitara would be between the constable and the central district police commander, Superintendent Mark Lammas.
Otaraua hapu member Tom Hunt said the constable had been seen in Waitara several times since he shot Mr Wallace, aged 23, with four rounds from his Glock pistol early on April 30 during a 64-second standoff.
"I think it is provocative of him to return. He is flaunting the fact that he has no respect for killing a talented young man who was a brother, a son, a cousin."
Asked whether the policeman's life might be in danger, Mr Hunt said: "Of course. It would be foolish of him to return to Waitara when it could provoke a response that could mean danger for him or others."
It is understood the constable, a Maori who has been an armed offenders squad member since 1986, is still living in Taranaki so his two young sons can continue their schooling. The family's home in Waitara, which is under close surveillance, is on the market.
The police investigation resulted in a 180-page report into the events surround the shooting. The report concluded that the constable had acted lawfully and should not face any charges.
It included a legal opinion from the Deputy Solicitor-General and a detailed account of the events at Waitara on the morning of April 30.
Mr Robinson said it was clear that the constable had feared for his life and shot Mr Wallace in self-defence.
No on-duty police officer has been prosecuted for shooting a member of the public for 60 years.
Mr Hunt said: "We will not engage in any illegal activities. We will not be kind on police if we think they are doing things wrong.
"We are already aware of things ... and we are trying to contain them at present. I think we are in for a torrid time."
The Otaraua hapu community centre remained open overnight. "We are here for people who are angry and want to vent things in here, rather than in a less constructive way."
Last night, police presence in the township was heavier than usual and it is understood Taranaki police were told not to take leave this week in case of fallout from the report.
Yesterday morning, in a copy-cat incident, a relative of Mr Wallace stormed the Waitara police station armed with a golf club and made threats. Police are investigating.
On the streets, many were angry. "If he is so innocent, put him before a jury and let 12 lay people make a decision, not just a Police Commissioner," said one.
"This is a police state," said another. "If that was you or me we would have been charged."
A sister of Mr Wallace said the report was "full of lies" and her brother was not violent towards other people. "He had all night to hurt someone if he wanted - he was only breaking windows."
A lawyer for the Wallace family, John Rowan, QC, said some aspects of the criminal investigation were cause for serious concern and he was continuing an independent inquiry.
Terry Wallace, an uncle, said the family were disappointed and still grieving. "In our opinion, it is not acceptable for a man or woman to be shot for being angry."
The family were taking a private prosecution against police, he said on television later.
Maori Affairs Minister Parekura Horomia issued a statement on behalf of the Labour Maori caucus calling for an urgent review of police systems and processes.
Significantly, he reserved judgment pending a Police Complaints Authority report. It was essential that the authority conducted a full, open and extensive inquiry.
"If there are still outstanding questions at the end of the Police Complaints Authority inquiry, we expect that calls for another independent inquiry will be renewed."
Prime Minister Helen Clark, caught between the anger of some of her Maori MPs and support for police in the community, declined to be interviewed on the report.
In the days after Mr Wallace was shot she said the incident must be seen against the background of the police attitude to Maori.
Act's Ken Shirley and National's Tony Ryall called for Helen Clark to apologise to police.
Police Minister George Hawkins extended his sympathy to Mr Wallace's family. He expressed confidence in the police investigation and the Crown Law Office review of its findings.
But Green Party police spokesman Keith Locke said the Wallace report gave police the nod to shoot unarmed offenders.
Shooting of Steven Wallace - what the police say
Editorial: Waitara review not really satisfactory
Maori warn Waitara cop to stay away
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