Editorial: Deterrent turns into police embarrassment

All Blacks head coach Graham Henry. Photo / Getty Images

It might have seemed a good idea to have police officers acting in a "highly visible deterrent role" to encourage drivers to act responsibly and safely over the long weekend. How were the public to know that an officer stationed on Auckland's Tamaki Drive was not fully certified to use radar equipment and could not, therefore, issue speeding tickets?

His mere presence would serve a purpose. What could possibly go wrong?

The snag was the appearance of Graham Henry, who was reportedly clocked at 81km/h in the 50km/h area. The officer could do no more than give the All Black coach a warning and send him on his way. When this became public knowledge, there was an understandable outcry and allegations of favouritism.

The police had to scramble to explain their unusual policy, and sought to calm concerns by noting that Henry was one of five motorists treated this way by the officer.

It is easy, in hindsight, to see that a high-profile apprehension could lead to the police being caught out.

But even without this benefit, they will always be playing with fire if officers cannot do what the public expects of them without fear or favour. The Tamaki Drive stationing served no more purpose, in effect, than a mock-up police car, and came with a far higher price tag.

In sum, this incident represented a very bad look for the police. Deploying officers who are not fully capable of doing their job is not a mistake they should make again.