1:00 pm
A former police traffic constable has today appeared in court charged with breaking into the cell-block of a police station.
The man, aged in his 30s, was granted interim name suppression when he appeared in the Whangarei District Court this morning.
He was remanded on bail without plea until September 10.
Defence lawyer Arthur Fairley told Judge Arthur Tompkins a psychologist's report would be sought and could have some bearing on any future application for suppression.
The former constable had earlier been suspended on full pay following a police investigation.
That investigation last night resulted in the man's arrest for assault and breaking and entering with intent to commit a crime.
The man is one of 16 New Zealand police officers - or former officers - to have been charged with criminal offences this year.
Details of where the other 15 officers were based have not been released by police.
As of last month, six of the officers had been charged with assault, three with drink-driving, two with theft or fraud, two with sexual offences, one with dangerous driving causing death, and one with perjury.
Ten of the 15 cases were still before the courts.
Of the remaining five, four resulted in convictions and one ended with an officer receiving police diversion.
Of the four convicted, three resigned and one left under the police employment rehabilitation fund scheme.
Of the 12 officers convicted last year, 11 had resigned and one was sacked.
About 7000 police officers are employed in New Zealand.
- NORTHERN ADVOCATE
Former police officer charged with breaking into cell-block
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