Police HQ admits inquiry into Pope

Rob Pope

The police PR machine was working overtime today to quash rumours that Deputy Commissioner Rob Pope was the centre of a criminal investigation in respect of the 1998 Sounds murder case.

However, sources have told Newstalk ZB that the Police Complaints Authority is definitely investigating Pope - although the matter is not a criminal one.

Police National Headquarters had originally staged a turnaround on its stance over investigations into the force's number two boss.

After yesterday denying any knowledge of an inquiry into Deputy Commissioner Pope, a spokesman earlier today confirmed Sunday newspaper reports that there is such an inquiry under way.

Investigators are looking into allegations that Mr Pope, who headed the investigation into the murders of 21-year-old Ben Smart and 17-year-old Olivia Hope on New Year's Day 1998, made a false statement in an affidavit he gave during the inquiry.

The complaint was laid by Chris Watson, the father of Scott Watson who was found guilty of murdering the two Blenheim friends.

- NEWSTALK ZB