Police happy officers' disciplinary cases are few

FILE

One Rotorua police officer has faced criminal charges and 10 have been disciplined internally in the past five years, according to New Zealand Police.

Of those disciplined between 2010 and 2014, four were given warnings, five were disciplined through "professional conversation" and one received performance management.

The figures were disclosed in response to a Rotorua Daily Post Official Information Act request.

Rotorua Area Commander Inspector Bruce Horne said the numbers were few, considering the work officers undertook.

"Given that police officers work in an environment where they are often called upon to intervene in situations involving violence, disorder and people in a highly charged emotional state - the small number of occasions when a police officer has faced disciplinary action over recent years is evidence of the very high standards of professionalism of our staff, their commitment to the organisation's values and clear understanding of the expectations of the communities they serve," he said.

Police had high expectations of staff.

"Police understand that transparency and the maintenance of high standards is extremely important in maintaining the trust and confidence of the public. All police officers in leadership roles have a high level of awareness of the important role they play in creating an environment that supports the highest standards of professionalism and integrity."

Serious misconduct by police and criminal charges were uncommon.

"However, when those situations do occur, the investigations are thorough and subject to robust external oversight, including a thorough review process by the Independent Police Conduct Authority."

Nationally, 131 police officers faced criminal charges in the past five years.

The number of police charged was highest in 2013 at 35. Last year, 29 police were charged.

Over four years, 313 police received counselling, 373 were disciplined through professional conversation, 173 received performance management and an adverse report was filed for one officer.

A further 178 police were given first warnings, 63 second warnings and 71 officers were given third and final warnings. Five officers were dismissed and five were reprimanded.

Meanwhile, 136 officers resigned and 17 retired during the disciplinary process.

Labour's police spokesman Kelvin Davis said any issues with police were regrettable.

"It is disappointing that there have been any disciplinary issues in the police at all but ... it is great that they are addressing areas of discipline and performance," he said.

Mr Davis said he expected police were taking issues more seriously than they used to.