Queries on Clint Rickards' business outside police force

By LOUISA CLEAVE

A company set up by Assistant Commissioner Clint Rickards and his partner last year may be part of the Government's commission of inquiry into the police handling of claims that three officers pack-raped a woman.

Police national headquarters will not comment on the company, ER Training, owned by Tania Eden and Mr Rickards.

Mr Rickards, the head of Auckland city police, has been stood down while investigations are carried out into claims that he took part in the 1986 incident involving Louise Nicholas.

Police headquarters said the matter "potentially may" be part of the commission of inquiry.

ER Training was set up eight months ago and the company office is registered to Wellington law firm Curtis McLean.

The company does not appear to have its own office and is not listed in any telephone directory.

The law firm would not discuss the company and directed inquiries to the shareholders, Mr Rickards and Ms Eden, an inspector working in the Office of the Commissioner.

Lawyer Daniel McLellan, acting for Mr Rickards, said he was unaware of the company but would ask his client about it and contact the Herald with any comment.

He did not ring back and could not be reached yesterday.

Police guidelines say officers must seek approval to work a second job. Owning a company falls under the same rules, a police spokeswoman said.

A request is considered against the type of work; whether there is a conflict of interest; the likely effect on the officer's performance of police duties; and the relationship of the employment to the police service.

A conflict of interest may arise where a police officer works in an industry in which police or other law enforcement agency has an interest.

Mr Rickards' support for moonlighting officers when he was Waikato district commander four years ago drew criticism from Police Minister George Hawkins.

At least 20 officers had part-time jobs approved by Mr Rickards.

Mr Hawkins instructed Commissioner Rob Robinson to tighten rules about moonlighting.