Bullying claims may follow newly promoted senior cop

A senior police officer embroiled in longstanding workplace bullying claims has been promoted to one of the country's top jobs.

Two years ago, three former police officers were paid thousands of dollars to drop personal grievance claims involving Steve Mastrovich, who has been acting area commander of the Ruapehu police district for 15 months.

A fortnight ago his appointment became permanent.

The officers were interviewed as part of an internal police investigation in 2002 into the Taumaranui station and allegations of sexism, bullying, misconduct and poor leadership.

A separate report written in late 2002 by psychologist Ellen Duckworth found Mr Mastrovich, former inspector Don Allen, retired Detective Sergeant Derek Webb and Sergeant Paul Francis were the main focus of their colleagues' criticism.

At the time Mr Mastrovich was a senior sergeant.

"Operation Plateau" was critical of the way the station was run, and concluded that poor practices were allowed to occur.

The investigation also raised concerns that a picture of Rotorua murder victim Beverly Bouma was bandied about the police cafeteria.

Police bosses said despite the findings, the Taumaranui station was one of the best performing in the country.

Mr Mastrovich would not speak with the Herald on Sunday, but his boss district commander superintendent Mark Lammas said he was "a very capable officer ... doing a brilliant job".

He was not aware of any specific complaints towards Mr Mastrovich but confirmed three former officers had been paid to drop personal grievance claims.

"Three staff took personal grievances that have been resolved - each of them received a payment."

Since then, the station had been performing well and was a happy place to work, he said.

"Ruapehu is one of the top policing areas in the country. Yes, it had some unhappy times in the late 1990s, early 2000s, but that is all behind them."

However, that may not be entirely the end of the matter.

Some of the bullying claims are set to receive a fresh hearing as part of two Employment Court cases taken by two former police officers.

Andrew Harland and Craig Hawkins are preparing Employment Court cases in which they level criticism at their former bosses, including Mr Mastrovich.

In July 2003, Mr Harland was offered $50,000 to resign and drop his personal grievance.

He refused to accept the payment.

He was later dismissed after two psychiatric reports found him unable to continue work.

Mr Harland has challenged the contents of those reports.

Mr Hawkins would not comment about the looming court case, worried that it could affect his chances.

But the pair said they were sad their careers had been destroyed. They both said they wanted to return to the force.