Motorcade officers to keep jobs

Five policemen awaiting the outcome of driving charges arising from the Prime Minister's speeding motorcade will keep their jobs whatever the result.

Police chiefs have assured the five their jobs are secure. If any lose their licences, they will be found jobs that do not require driving.

The five officers and a civilian driver will hear the decisions on the charges against them from Judge John Strettell in the Timaru District Court on Friday.

Four of the officers - the fifth is an unnamed member of the diplomatic protection squad - have the full backing of their boss, district commander Superintendent Sandra Manderson.

"They are all excellent police officers and very committed and loyal police officers, and I need them to carry on in that vein," she said. "Of course I will respect the decision of the court."