The Cook Islands Police Commissioner Maara Tetava has begun a review of his department's procedures and training programme following the controversial handling of a New Zealand rugby player, Zac Guildford.
Mr Tetava was out of the country when the 22-year-old All Black rampaged through Rarotonga naked, abusive, intoxicated and injured.
The New Zealand tourist was captured by police several times and detained overnight in a cell, but set free without charge despite a formal complaint against him alleging sexual harassment.
Mr Tetava says the acting police commissioner Aka Matapo made decisions as he saw them, based on the evidence presented to him by fellow staff.
He says the level of personal criticism directed at Superintendent Matapo is unfair and uncalled for.
