Probation service staff suspended

The Department of Corrections has suspended five Community Probation Service workers while it investigates claims of misconduct against them.

However, the department said public safety had not been compromised while the employees, at least three of whom are believed to be probation officers, were suspended on full pay.

Northland's Community Probation Service's 47 staff were down to 42 following the suspensions, said Astrid Kalders, the northern region's manager.

Staff had been moved around the area to assist with the workload in Whangarei and there was no increased risk to the community from offenders.

Ms Kalders refused to reveal details of the allegations against the employees.

Three probation officers from the Whangarei Community Probation Service office were suspended on June 3.

An investigation into allegations against the trio, believed to be two women and one man, was expected to be completed in 10 days.

A further staff member from the Whangarei office was also suspended on June 3 on an unrelated allegation, while another staff member from the Kaikohe Community Probation Service office was suspended on March 22.

Investigations into "serious misconduct" allegations against the Kaikohe worker had been completed. The department would form a preliminary view for the staff member to respond to.

A Department of Corrections statement said: "It is unfortunate that suspensions have been necessary and have coincided at the same time in the northern region. It is important that any allegations of breaches of the code of conduct are fully investigated and action taken if required."

Roger Bowden, lawyer for one of the accused, denied any wrongdoing on his client's part. His client was "devastated, deeply upset", he said.

Northland Public Service Association organiser Mark Furey, helping represent two other suspended probation officers, refused to comment. The allegations are being investigated by associate professor of law at the University of Auckland, Bill Hodge.

- NORTHERN ADVOCATE (WHANGAREI)