KEY POINTS:
Prime Minister Helen Clark says the alleged practice of using the police computer to check on friends and acquaintances was "disgraceful".
The National Party is calling for an investigation after The Dominion-Post reported a sacked 111 call centre worker saying the practice was "rife".
Les Neilson is trying to get his job back after being sacked for using the computer to get information about potential girlfriends.
"I've basically been screwed for doing something that's a common practice. I've used the information the same as everyone else has."
Miss Clark said police did not stand for such activities.
"It's absolutely disgraceful and that is why that matter is subject to an employment dispute at the present time," she told reporters.
"Police take a very, very dim view of inappropriate use of the computer and wherever it is detected they will act."
Mr Neilson was accused of "inappropriate accessing and disclosure of police information" in April and summarily dismissed.
He has taking a case of unfair dismissal to the Employment Relations Authority.
National's police spokesman, Chester Borrows, said Police Minister Annette King should order an investigation.
"This should not be happening," he said.
"The private information held on the computer is meant to help fight crime, not be used by staff to check out girlfriends or for other personal use."
Mr Borrows, a former police officer, said using it in that way was a clear breach of protocol.
- NZPA
