Watchdog to investigate police anti-terror raids

Police raids focused on Ruatoki. Photo / Daily Post

Complaints over the October anti-terror raids will be investigated by the Independent Police Conduct Authority, the watchdog said today.

The authority confirmed police had sent it a complaint from lawyer Peter Williams QC, acting for Te Kotahi o Tuhoe - which speaks on behalf of the Tuhoe people - as well as five complaints from individuals.

Mr Williams today said Tuhoe's writs would be filed in the High Court at Rotorua in about two months.

Authority chairman Justice Lowell Goddard said "substantive" complaints about the raids would be investigated rigorously and independently".

"Our role is to receive and consider complaints about alleged Police misconduct or neglect of duty, or about Police practices, policies or procedures," she said.

"The Authority is fully independent of Police."

Mr Williams said Te Kotahi o Tuhoe's writs - seeking compensation, aggravated damages and legal costs - would be served on the attorney-general.

The attorney-general is responsible for the actions of state departments, including the police.

No specific sum was being sought, with Mr Williams saying that was up to the court to decide.

The legal action related not to those who had been arrested, but to others, including women and children, affected by the police operation.

Police arrested 17 people in raids around the country but the focus was on Ruatoki, about 20km south of Whakatane, where police alleged terrorist camps were being run.

Solicitor-General David Collins has since rejected an application to mount a prosecution under the Terrorism Suppression Act. Instead, most of the 17 face firearm charges.

Mr Williams said the writs would be filed because there had been no reply to a written approach to Police Commissioner Howard Broad last month to settle the issue out of court by way of apology and compensation.

- NZPA