By NAOMI LARKIN
Sex and drugs allegations have rocked the probation service, with two officers suspended and a third sacked.
Two female probation officers allegedly involved in a drugs-for-favours scandal have been suspended, and a male officer was sacked after separate sex accusations.
The women, who work for the Community Probation Service in Auckland, were suspended late last week after allegations that they traded soft offender reports for drugs.
One also allegedly used cocaine in her office with a female offender.
In another incident a former male probation officer, also based in Auckland, was having sex with at least one - and possibly several - young male clients.
Gordon Attwood, the service's northern regional manager, confirmed last night that the service investigated the allegations against the man, but he left his job before the inquiry was completed.
"Last year, we did receive unsubstantiated allegations of that nature which would amount to a breach of our code of conduct. So we instigated an investigation, which we were unable to complete because he left our employment. At this stage, the allegations are neither proven nor disproven."
The man's employment was "terminated," Mr Attwood said. It is understood he was dismissed for absenteeism after failing to turn up for work.
Mr Attwood said the two women - from the Otahuhu and Panmure offices - were being investigated for "inappropriate dealings with offenders."
The Herald understands that one agreed to write a favourable report for a woman facing a prison sentence after a drug conviction.
The second officer assessed the woman's suitability for a non-custodial drug programme.
But the woman received a prison sentence, and later wrote to the Department of Corrections about the officers.
She allegedly included a description of the inside of the first officer's home, and described how the pair snorted cocaine in the woman's office.
One of the officers was also alleged to have been involved in cannabis dealing.
Mr Attwood refused to comment on the claims as they were being investigated.
Probation officers accused in sex, cocaine scandals
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