Coroner points to police failings

Jan Molenaar. Photo / Supplied

An extra police officer at the search of Jan Molenaar's home could have saved the life of Senior Constable Len Snee, says a coroner's report.

Molenaar, 51, shot Mr Snee dead and wounded two other officers, Senior Constables Grant Diver and Bruce Miller, when they tried to search his Napier property on May 7 last year for cannabis.

Molenaar barricaded himself in his home but later shot himself in the head, ending a three-day siege.

Coroner David Crerar released his findings into the deaths yesterday. He said a lack of appropriate intelligence on Molenaar was a "major failing" that led to the death of both him and the police officer he gunned down.

And Mr Crerar recommended police reconsider a decision not to push for the ban of military-style semi-automatic (MSSA) weapons.

He also called for faster rollout of digital radios and beefing up safety measures around carrying out search warrants.

Police National Headquarters last night said action was already under way on the recommendations.

But Superintendent John Rivers, of the Operations Support Group, said a total ban of MSSAs had been considered and was rejected.

The coroner also criticised members of the public. He found many in Napier knew Molenaar was growing and selling cannabis and that he owned several firearms.

Anyone who supplied the weapons to Molenaar shared a responsibility for the death of Mr Snee, he said.

And all who knew that Molenaar could react violently and unpredictably owed a responsibility to tell police, who relied on public support.

Mr Crerar said police would have had warning of the danger Molenaar presented if they knew whether he held an appropriate firearms licence.

Having an extra police officer could have prevented the shootings and "it would have been better" if an officer had accompanied Molenaar when he left the room.

"[But] I am confident ... the lessons learned from [Mr Snee's] tragic death will result in a reappraisal of police officer safety in the execution of similar warrants."

He agreed with police that Molenaar's response to a police search was totally disproportionate to the seriousness of the incident and was satisfied the seige was in accordance with best practice that could not have prevented Molenaar's suicide.

Mr Rivers said a review of police general instructions begun in 2008 was almost done and the national rollout of digital radio had started.

He said police would soon recommend Arms Act changes to Police Minister Judith Collins.

THE RECOMMENDATIONS
* Review of the Arms Act, in particular consider banning military-style semi-automatic weapons.

* Faster rollout of police digital radios.

* Search warrant procedures upgraded to ensure:All supervisors are aware of warrants being executed;Adequate numbers of police as warrants are executed.

* Improved tools and equipment and appropriate training in risk assessment.

* Continued monitoring of staff in their use of personal protection equipment.

- additional reporting NZPA