Ex-cop tells of 'living hell' at work

Daniel Sean Ramkissoon outside the Employment Court hearing in Rotorua yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

A former Whakatane police officer has told of the "living hell" police bosses made his life after he testified at the 2008 assault trial of four colleagues.

Daniel Sean Ramkissoon fought back tears as he gave evidence in the Employment Court at Rotorua yesterday of the alleged harassment, discrimination, bullying and racial abuse he suffered at the hands of senior Bay of Plenty police.

Mr Ramkissoon has brought a claim against the New Zealand Police Commissioner, claiming a job offer was unfairly withdrawn, he was treated unfairly while on sick leave and his resignation from the police force in 2011 by "medical disengagement" was an unjustified constructive dismissal. He is seeking reinstatement as sergeant, plus compensation.

Mr Ramkissoon's lawyer, Peter Brosnahan, told the court his 42-year-old client, a former detective inspector in the South African police, had worked in Whakatane since 2000 and was well regarded.

In October 2006, Mr Ramkissoon witnessed part of an incident in the Whakatane police station cells, he said.

Mr Ramkissoon said he was pressured by senior police staff during the subsequent investigation into blaming the officers, even though he had not seen the whole incident.

He said he was summoned to a meeting with eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Inspector Pat Tasker at one stage.

"He began inducting me into how criminal the actions of the staff were and I should be feeling the same way."

Mr Ramkissoon said the investigation had appeared to be "pre-determined" and he was told by Senior Sergeant Lance Burdett "those that helped the investigation will be helped".

Four Whakatane officers were charged with assaulting a prisoner and stood trial in June 2008.

Mr Ramkissoon said he refused to sign a brief of evidence that was inconsistent with his statement. He was branded unco-operative and dishonest, and treated in a hostile way throughout the trial.

"Had I signed that brief they prepared for me, I most certainly would not be sitting here today."

Mr Ramkissoon said when the four were acquitted it was clear he and other police witnesses would face "retribution" for the result.

He said he was stripped of responsibilities, given undesirable duties and was harassed and undermined by senior officers.

"Nothing was more embarrassing and humiliating as when Senior Sergeant [Bruce] Jenkins took pleasure calling me by the racist name of Voodoo."

Mr Ramkissoon said Mr Jenkins used the derogatory term in official correspondence and even at a public meeting.

"Ultimately the lives of my family and I were turned into a living hell and I was left battling mentally and physically with all manner of illnesses," he said.

In February 2009, Mr Ramkissoon, then a senior constable, applied for the position of Opotiki station sergeant.

He said he was offered the job, only for the offer to be withdrawn the next day as human-relations staff had apparently "overlooked" he did not have a certain qualification.

"The news was devastating, it left us in utter turmoil," he said. "From the cells [incident] up to this point, my misery just skyrocketed."

The hearing is set for seven days, with Mr Ramkissoon expected to conclude his evidence today.