Police face court action over incorrect job offers

Police are facing legal action from eight Auckland officers who were offered Christchurch police jobs, only to be told just one position was available.

Police national headquarters put a stop on the offers when it discovered that the Canterbury district had given a job to all those who applied for one post.

Some officers had taken steps to buy Christchurch property before being told they could not move, sources said.

The Police Association confirmed on Friday it was in "discussions" with police bosses about the officers who thought they would be filling Christchurch Criminal Investigation Bureau (CIB) positions.

Police national human resources general manager Wayne Annan said the Canterbury district was authorised to advertise one CIB vacancy, which was filled by one of the original applicants.

Mr Annan said the job offers were made "erroneously" by a staffer who did not have the authority to do so. But the issue could take time to resolve, he said.

"It was a local initiative without any national perspective. We've got a bunch of upset people in the middle of this, which we need to deal with in an appropriate fashion and balance their particular situation."

Police Association president Greg O'Connor hoped discussions about the future of the officers' jobs could be concluded in a couple of weeks.

Another source said, "I understand these guys are threatening legal action. They are not very chuffed. It's a mess."

- NZPA