KEY POINTS:
An officer who described a sexual assault complainant as a "bitch" and "looking for a money train" escaped discipline until the comment was picked up by the Commission of Inquiry into Police Conduct - though the file was reviewed before.
Dame Margaret Bazley's inquiry found evidence of inappropriate attitudes in the police and scepticism in dealing with sexual assault complainants.
It found the police culture had affected officers' ability to investigate complaints against other police.
The Bazley report described the male-dominated culture of the police force.
It found some officers regarded "swearing and sexual banter" as normal.
It detailed police bonding during heavy drinking sessions run by a "jug master" with a list of officers' mistakes.
"It is clear that certain elements of police culture have adversely affected New Zealand Police's ability to investigate complaints against police members and associates effectively and impartially," the report said.
The report recommended that police continue efforts to increase the number of female officers and officers from ethnic minority groups to "enhance the effective and impartial investigation of complaints alleging sexual assault by members of the police or by associates of the police".
More female and ethnic minority officers would also promote a diverse organisational culture that reflects the community it serves.
The report recommended an independent annual "health of the organisation" audit of the police culture. The audit would examine, in particular, whether the organisation provided a safe work environment for female staff and staff from minority groups.
Meanwhile, the strong bonds between officers - formed so they could rely on each other in life-threatening situations - might lead to a "code of silence" and resistance to investigating allegations against fellow police.
Victoria University of Wellington senior criminology lecturer Dr Jan Jordan told the inquiry: "Loyalty and camaraderie are two positive traits which, if developed to excess can lead to blind allegiance and the potential for engaging in cover-ups."
Sexist attitudes had led a female officer to question her career choice and US expert witness Professor David Bayley noted female officers often commented: "I wish when I'm introduced to a new partner that he would look at my face before he looks at my chest".
However, officers said the force was becoming more female-friendly.
Dame Margaret wrote of evidence of police scepticism in dealing with sexual assault complainants.
A review of a 1983 rape allegation by an assistant commissioner described the complainant as a "loose woman" and "notorious in the neighbourhood as a sex-mad woman".
A police email from 2004 referred to a woman who had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a police officer in 1989 as a "bitch" and "looking for a money train".
Dame Margaret wrote that despite the file containing the email having been reviewed as part of the professional standards system and as part of Operation Loft, police had not recognised the inappropriateness of the wording or the sentiments expressed until brought up by the commission of inquiry.
The officer was then disciplined.
Police explained that the email was not thoroughly examined because the officer had completed a more comprehensive job sheet.
Police Minister Annette King said the police had improved their standards and practices over the last 25 years in dealing with complaints about sexual offences and complaints against police officers.
There would be a continuing drive to increase the number of women in the force, but New Zealanders could trust the service given by the police.
"It is easy to underestimate the impact the past three years have had on police morale. The behaviour of a few officers has cast doubt on the integrity of the majority of staff. Dame Margaret has condemned the actions of the few, but the vast majority of the police can hold their heads high after the report."
From the files
'In making this recommendation I am mindful that their conduct was discreditable. However, this loose woman, notorious in the neighbourhood as a sex-mad woman, apparently enticed the policemen into her home for a sexual frolic. The evidence is hazy as to what exactly occurred but I believe the policemen - who were naive in extreme - are now regretful of their actions in going to this woman's home. Both the members are said to be worthwhile members of the police.'
- review by an assistant commissioner of a 1983 rape allegation
'There was never any question about consent except for the possible coercion side of things as the alleged root happened in a patrol car ... [The complainant] would be looking for a money train. If you can prove her wrong lock the bitch up for making a false complaint. I hate people who cause shit like this.'
- remarks in a police email from 2004, referring to a woman who had allegedly been sexually assaulted by a police officer in 1989
