Top cop reinstated after acquittal on rape charges

Kelvin Powell

Superintendent Kelvin Powell will return to his role as Waikato District Commander on October 20, after being acquitted of an historic rape charge last month.

Mr Powell had been suspended from his post as Waikato District commander since February last year after he was charged with raping a former policewoman at her 21st birthday in 1984.

He was acquitted by a jury in the High Court at Hamilton on August 10 after less than three hours deliberation.

Mr Powell was reinstated as a police officer late last month.

Acting Commissioner of Police Steve Long said Mr Powell was a hard-working, highly capable and committed member of the police, and he was sure the Superintendent would take up where he left off.

"Kelvin will undoubtedly be determined to work very hard to maintain and enhance the performance of his district in providing policing services to the communities of the Waikato," Mr Long said.

Mr Powell will undertake a two week programme of briefings and catching up on issues relevant to his role. He will then take a short period of leave before the Acting District Commander for Waikato, Superintendent Pieri Munro, commences a hand-over on October 17.

- NZPA