The Prime Minister and Police Commissioner today turned up the heat into the investigations of historic rape allegations against three police officers.
Prime Minister Helen Clark announced a commission of inquiry into the allegations and Police Commissioner Rob Robinson said one of the policemen, Auckland police boss Assistant CommissionerClint Rickards, has been stood-down pending the outcome of a reopened criminal investigation.
The moves follow allegations by Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas that she was pack-raped in Rotorua in 1986 by three police officers -- Mr Rickards and two men who have since left the police, Tauranga city councillor Brad Shipton and Napier car dealer Bob Schollum.
All three have vigorously denied the allegations.
In announcing the commission of inquiry Ms Clark said: " The Government considers that the Police Complaints Authority is not well placed to conduct such an inquiry in this instance."
She said the allegations suggest police officers might have "deliberately undermined investigations into complaints against other officers. Such allegations are extremely serious."
Ms Clark said the commission of inquiry "will focus on issues of process. It will have a comprehensive brief, including the ability to make recommendations to avoid such circumstances arising in the future."
She said it would take a couple of weeks to draft the terms of reference and to identify an appropriate person to head the inquiry.
Mrs Nicholas alleges her original complaint in 1993 was not properly investigated and that John Dewar, who was a detective inspector at the time, manipulated her to protect his colleagues.
Mr Dewar, who now works with the St John ambulance service in Hamilton, strenuously denies the claims, saying allegations in the media did not reflect the facts as he knew them to be.
In today's statement announcing Mr Rickards' stand-down pending the outcome of a criminal investigation , Mr Robinson said he noted the full cooperation pledged by Mr Rickards.
"Mr Rickards' situation will remain under review pending the conclusion of the investigation," Mr Robinson said.
Deputy Commissioner Steve Long had advised that on an analysis of the information available it was appropriate to reopen the investigation.
A police officer on stand-down must:
* not undertake duty or exercise of police powers,
* not use police identification,
* not wear police uniform,
* not enter police premises without permission, the statement said.
