Shirley Owes Greymouth Police An Apology
"ACT MP Ken Shirley must apologise to Greymouth Police and the West Coast community for the manner in which he brought allegations of corruption against Greymouth Police," NZ Police Association President, Greg O’Connor said today.
"By making such allegations through the media he has caused damage to Police morale and the community’s confidence in their Police," Mr O’Connor said.
Mr O’Connor was commenting on the Grieve Report which completely cleared Greymouth staff of corruption and dysfunctionality allegations. The report was released today.
"The Police Association publicly said at the time that the Officers making the allegations had been fairly treated and the public should wait for the result of the enquiries", said Mr O’Connor.
"Unfortunately such allegations will always have a long term impact and an apology by Ken Shirley to West Coasters is the first part of rebuilding community confidence in their Police," Mr O’Connor said.
"The Police Association believes it is appropriate for MP’s to act as a conduit for any such allegations and they should always be investigated," said Mr O’Connor. "It is entirely inappropriate for such allegations to be made by press releases, for that reason, Mr Shirley must apologise."
Mr O’Connor said, "The Police Association is also critical of the time it has taken for the enquiry to report. The original allegations were made in February 2002 and they have hung over the heads of Greymouth staff all this time."
Members who wish to request a copy of the Grieve Report should submit an Official Information request by email to information@police.govt.nz and supply their name and the mailing address they want the report sent to.
