Masterton police have partly blamed workload and system faults for a child assault inquiry that took two years to reach court.
On Thursday a Masterton man, 45, was sentenced for three assaults on his daughters, then 13 and 14, between September 2006 and February 2007.
Police had provided the sentencing judge, Judge Stephen Harrop, with a report into why charges weren't laid until March this year.
Wairarapa area police commander John Johnston said police had been "happy" to provide this explanation, called for by a previous judge.
Mr Johnston said it was "unfortunate and regrettable" that factors "including some aspects around our systems and case workloads" contributed to the delay.
Also contributing was the fact that investigations "involving vulnerable child assault victims are complex, difficult and at times protracted".
Wairarapa and Wellington police "want to do our very best to ensure the safety and well-being of children in our community", Mr Johnston said.
"We have over the years investigated and charged people for very serious assaults on children.
"Tragically some of these inquiries have involved the deaths of vulnerable members of our community," Mr Johnston said.
A specialist team of investigators, headed by a Detective Senior Sergeant, is being set up across the Wellington-Wairarapa region, "with child abuse investigations their key focus".
The team is set to work closely with Child Youth and Family, and health professionals.
Mr Johnston said Wairarapa police already has a "family safety team" that works with other agencies and community groups on domestic violence education and prevention, as well as enforcement of the law.
He said the causes and reduction of family violence were not just a police issue.
"We all have a role to play and we have seen it here in our communities with the Wairarapa Violence Free campaign and other initiatives."
Police explain inquiry delay
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