KEY POINTS:
Suspended assistant police commissioner Clint Rickards faces at least 10 charges under police regulations, it was reported today.
Mr Rickards was suspended on full pay three years ago after the opening of an investigation into allegations by Rotorua woman Louise Nicholas that Rickards and former officers Brad Shipton and Bob Schollum raped her in the early 1980s.
All three were acquitted but Mr Rickards admitted he had group sex with Mrs Nicholas.
The Dominion Post reported today Mr Rickards would face 10 charges of alleged misconduct.
It is believed the charges cover sexual liaisons with Mrs Nicholas, a woman's allegation he had sex with her on the bonnet of a police car in 1983, and his public criticism of the competence of the police investigation into the allegations by Mrs Nicholas and other women.
Mr Rickards' lawyer John Haigh, QC, would not comment yesterday.
"A process is being followed, but other than that I've got no comment to make," he said.
Police also refused to comment on what they said was a confidential employment matter.
Under the regulations police would have written to Mr Rickards outlining the nature of the acts they believe have constituted an alleged offence.
He can seek an indication from Police Commissioner Howard Broad of his likely punishment if he enters a guilty plea, which could delay the process.
But if he pleads not guilty, a tribunal process similar to a district court hearing will begin behind closed doors, The Dominion Post says.
Mr Broad will be guided by the former judge or senior lawyer who will head the tribunal, but has the power to fine, demote, cut pay or sack Mr Rickards if found guilty.
Any accused officer has the right to challenge its process by judicial review by the High Court.
A fresh call was made this week to get Mr Rickards out of the police after it was disclosed last weekend he had been given a new $50,000 car as part of his estimated $250,000 remuneration package,
National leader John Key said the government should get rid of him even if it cost.
Prime Minister Helen Clark described Mr Key's comments as "reckless."
- NZPA
