KEY POINTS:
A high profile south Auckland detective has apologised for making racist remarks at an Asian crime conference.
Detective Senior Sergeant Neil Grimstone was under investigation by police colleagues after apparently suggesting "people who could be blindfolded with a shoelace" could not be trusted.
He also apparently made derogatory remarks about Green MP Sue Bradford.
Mr Grimstone apologised in a story about the comments published today in the Sunday News.
"I deeply regret my remark and apologise to anyone who may have been offended," the paper reported today.
He said he could not explain his error of judgement.
Mr Grimstone, who works in the Counties Manukau police district was being investigated for his remarks, said commander, Superintendent Steve Shortland.
He said the remarks were "inappropriate and unacceptable."
Mr Grimstone made the comment at the Chinese Organised Crime Conference in Wellington last month.
He has headed a number of high profile investigations including the Papakura false rape case and the savage five hour rape in Pukekohe last year.
- NZPA
