KEY POINTS:
Here is an earlier selection:
Roger Over
There can be no doubt that the Police, to the greatest extent, do a hard thankless job that few of the rest of us would have the stomach for, and for this I applaud them. The qualification to this is that when it comes to corruption, it can be compared to pregnancy, you cannot be slightly pregnant, you either are, or you are not. This does not just extend to the "bent" copper, of whom there are truly few, but anyone of their colleagues who know, or suspect that something is out of order, no matter how small, and prefer to look the other way. If the Police are to regain the moral high-ground that they have lost, then they should ensure that no matter what level the misdeed, it is exposed to the full light of day.
Hans Helwes
Now we know all of this, let's get on with it and support those in the police force that keep NZ safe. There are always a few rotten apples in a barrel this seize, you just don't select those.
Tim Spooner
It would not be so bad if people like Greg O'Connor (Police Assoc) and senior officers did not always rush forward and insist that Police Officers are always right where controversial issues arise. Remember the guy who was pepper-sprayed while lying helpless on the ground? The public are not stupid and can use their own eyes.
John
There is more than sufficient evidence that a small bunch of macho police officers exploited their authority to gratify their sexual desires at the expense of naive (and possibly flattered)young women. This kind of behaviour must be eradicated from an, otherwise, decent and conscientious police force. I am, however, incensed at the hypocrisy of the Prime Minister, pontificating about "disgusting" police behaviour, a few short years after she let several police hang out to dry in the wake of the notorious motorcade incident. At that time, she protected her own hide at their expense.
Bruce
99.99 per cent of your NZ Police are above reproach and always have been. The very few who have caused the problems over the last thirty odd years should be drummed out including Rickard.
Carla
This is only the tip of the iceberg. Try having an innocent run-in with the Auckland Police, and watch the nightmarish hell you have to go through. Why isn't there any inquiry into how police react so aggressively in situations when it isn't warranted? Police officers who fly off the handle and assault civilians should be charged as such, however it will take real guts and courage for other officers to come forward and tell the truth in these situations. I dont see why this type of culture is allowed to prevail? I suggest that a forum be established to hear about other persons who have had nasty experiences at the hands of law, only then will we really start to see how murky these waters are.
MT
I think the report did not emphasize the moral responsibilities the police accused. For one to have authority over another (the police over the public), they must be of integrity towards the laws that they enforce. The responsibility of the police is from a high calling to meet a moral standard to raise the harmonious conduct of society. However to be an appropriate policeman I would say it does not fall on successful completing of duties on the job, but also a desire of the heart to live life righteously whether at home or on the job or where ever. A place to find the morality can be found in the Bible. Can anyone fault the Bible as a proper moral guide?
ChrisB
This is all very disappointing but totally inevitable. From our government down our society has become corrupt and amoral. We believe collectively and individually that you are not a criminal until you get caught. Without God everything is legal.
Rosemary Garner
I would like to pay tribute to Louise Nicholas. Louise may have once been a trouble young girl, vulnerable to the preying hands of thugs playing at being policemen but she is now a courageous woman. She is an example of a Kiwi leading a seemingly ordinary life with great courage. Well-done Louise.
Dylan
This is a poorly thought out statement on the behalf of the police, and Police Commissioner Howard Broad should himself be disciplined for misrepresenting the report in his official statement. To blame these event on the actions of a "few officers" is to ignore the extent of the problem, and the responsibility that the commissioner holds. Indeed, when the report explicitly mentions the 313 complaints of sexual assault against 222 police officers, of which there was enough evidence in 141 cases to take action- this sounds like a significant proportion of officers to me, and likely significantly more than you would find in other professions such as medicine and business. Indeed, the commissioner's report seems to reflect the view that he is not directly linked to these affairs, when it seems more than likely that he was aware of at least one of the complaints with sufficient evidence available to take action against the offending officer.
C Nikal
Wellington police heads compelled to subjugate themselves to the wishes of their political masters. An issue from the past involving a handful of officers resurrected and embellished into a witch hunt by Ministry of Womens Affairs activists, assorted radical feminist groups and Labour party operatives. The purpose of the campaign being to create further progress towards creating a justice and policing environment, which actively promotes the supremacy of womens rights above all other, balanced considerations.
Katie
What this report highlights is that we need an independent Police Complaints authority ASAP. What is the point of police investigating complaints against other officers? We desperately need an independent body.
Harriett
The Police Department must be cleansed of all that is wrong and evil, so that all New Zealanders can have absolute trust in their mandate to protect all citizens when they come to them for help. The criminal sexual exploits of a few policeman damaged the reputation of the Force. The report by Margaret Bazley is the beginning of returning confidence to the Police Force. Good luck and all the very best for the work ahead. We need a Police Force that we can be very proud of.
Richard Clark
And now that we have an honest view of what is, regarding Police and Policing in New Zealand, I suggest a new inquiry that looks at the behaviour of all New Zealanders, Pakeha, Maori and Ethnic minorities, from this there needs to be a Bill of Rights and some sort of Constitution. Not a system based on the outdated and flawed British system but a distinctive Aotearoa New Zealand system. It's time for all of us, those kiwis who live here, youth to the aged, all of us, stand up and hold ourselves to be responsible. It is time for some serious change in New Zealand and we cannot simply continue to wait for politicians. They have an agenda that is simply aimed at the next election or at scoring points. It's time to take back New Zealand.
Laurence
As long as we have police investigating police we are nothing but a 3rd world backwater. The Police Complaints Authority must be entirely independent and fully empowered to do its job.
Paul
Apologise for the "few" incidents detailed in the report is basically shrugging of any blame. The problem is bigger than the report. To say it is better now is rubbish, lots of people have recent examples about being mistreated or being turned away from police stations when trying to report something.
Jo
I have only ever had two occasions to have any dealings with the police and for the most part both times I was dealt with fairly and sensitively, despite both occasions being fairly traumatic for very different reasons. However in all honesty, this report leaves me feeling a bit despondent over whether I am truly able to rely on our police force now if needed and can only say my confidence is sadly lacking. Just hope I dont need them again as it appears things should change but probably wont..... much!
Luke Mason
I guess theres not much else the police can do other than to apologise. It just goes to show that although some of those boys who think they're above the law, get caught in the end. Perhaps an age limit of 25 plus should be enforced for police recruitment. That way the public could feeler a little safer knowing that police recruits are old enough and mature enough to not have their new found power in the hands of sad little boys.
Tony
Unless the Police Complaints Authority is completely independent, nothing changes. History will always repeat. This report will be a waste of effort time and money. Its a wonderful report but there is nothing new that the public does not suspect or know already.When will the PCA be completely independent? Thats the question?
Wayne
For goodness sake, 300 odd complaints in 27 years, that is one a month. Lets see the pareto on when these occurred.
Albie
Its not until those victims come to light that any one starts a slow look into their concerns.
Wade
Finally we see a public servant stand up and apologise. Too often we see the institutions that govern this country whether its the police or corrections department ducking for cover and failing to acknowledge mistakes, misconduct, mis-management. People must be accountable for the staff they lead whether in a public service or private company and take ownership and responsibility for their actions. Well done to the Police Commissioner Howard Broad for standing up and accepting the report findings with an apology to the people of NZ. Public confidence needs to be restored quickly and this is the first public step in that process.
Anita
Clear, open honest report - numbers boggling and just as Helen said Disgusting - top marks! Brave steps! Hopefully now money will be set aside for the recommendations and support to the HR team. Time now for healing - and moving on.
Jo Cretin
It is interesting to note that Bazley, according to the Herald item, only serves to point out problems, rather than solutions. The police have a very stressful job to do and should be given more leeway. They protect our community, rather than the politicians, who leech off it.I bet half the sexual harrassment claims are bogus and thanks to the sensationalistic style of reporting, the public will once again, lose faith in the police, just for no reason.
Edgar Smallwood
Yet another instance where the practice of allowing professional bodies, associations, organisations to police their own is shown to be a dismal failure. e.g. real estate agents, doctors,the parole board, Auckland DHBs etc. When will a N.Z. Government face up to reality and have the courage to banish this flawed means of accountability? The N.Z. public deserves more say and active participation in policing and disciplinary matters. Unfortunately I doubt if the current namby pansy Government has the courage, the resolve or the personnel capable of instituting change.
Phil Sinclair
Given her previous inquiries into NZ Govt institutions, in particular the alleged corruption at the top of the NZ Fire Service in the 1990's, one can't be surprised that Bazely found no indication of a pervasive culture of sexual misconduct in NZ Police. I just don't know how she can reconcile "she saw evidence of some "disgraceful" conduct by police officers and associates, involving the exploitation of vulnerable people and there were also incidents of officers attempting to protect alleged perpetrators. "These incidents, which occurred mainly in the 1980s, include evidence of officers condoning or turning a a blind eye to sexual activity of an inappropriate nature; a wall of silence from colleagues protecting those officers complained about; negative, stereotyped view of complainants, and a culture of scepticism in dealing with complaints of sexual assault," she said."
With : " "However, there was no evidence of any concerted attempt across the organisation as a whole to cover up unacceptable behaviour."" Since the typical knee jerk reaction to complaints of sexual misconduct against a police officer was denial and cover-up, why would there be a need for 'any concerted attempt across the organisation as a whole to cover up unacceptable behaviour'?
Police did and for all we know still do, feel sufficiently empowered by their culture of separateness from non-police and the 'one for all, all for one' gang mentality to be able to suppress and conceal these types of behaviour when complained about. Nothing will happen to alter that until the organisation which investigates them is totally independent. That will not happen while politicians feel a need to run a 'favour bank' with the police hierarchy. A government which set up an independent body would be subject to all sorts of police harassment, not to mention an artificial 'outrage' from sectors of our society who deemed being onside with the coppers an essential.
Paula Weir
I am pleased to see the problems in our police force brought out into the open. I am hopeful that more people will now feel confident to approach the police and complain about disgraceful misconduct by their officers without fear of being ridiculed, ignored, or having their concerns inadequately investigated by internal procedures. It would be prudent for an independent body to now be set up alongside the Police Complaints Authority to ensure future allegations and complaints against officers are handled in a more thorough and competent manner, and to enable investigations into complaints that are impartial and more ethical than some we have recently seen.It is time the problems in the police force are held up for public scrutiny, as it is our taxes that paid for the recent allegations against the police and many other bungled cases where disgraceful conduct has occurred, and has been overlooked by politicians as they did not involve the very PC crimes they seem to favour, such as alleged rape against white middle class women.
Kiwi Teetee
13 cases. I am shocked. The police force is not above the law, but should actually live the law to the letter, to a far higher standard then the rest of us. We can then look at them as role models.