17 Sep 2016

Misconduct allegations upheld against 135 police officers

3:58 pm on 17 September 2016

Allegations of misconduct against 135 police officers have been upheld this year - and although 20 have left the force, none have been sacked.

Official figures released earlier this month show almost 1700 complaints were made against officers and police employees, relating to 1312 incidents, from January through until June.

Violence, sexual misconduct and disgraceful behaviour were among those, with service failure and unprofessional behaviour the most common.

Of the 1004 investigations carried out, 143 were upheld, at least in part.

Close up of the back of a police officer wearing a vest.

Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly

A police spokesperson told RNZ that of the 135 officers who had complaints against them upheld, four had resigned while under investigation and a further 16 had since left.

Police have not given any details of the complaints.

Previously, the police only released complaints information relating to staff on request or under the Official Information Act.

Superintendent Anna Jackson said the proactive release underlines the police's commitment to transparency and will help maintain public trust and confidence.

It is expected to be updated quarterly.

Labour MP Stuart Nash said he was slightly concerned that none of the officers were dismissed as result.

"I have no doubt that once an allegation's upheld it goes on the police officer's record, and I would expect, and no doubt the police themselves would expect, the officer to behave in an exemplary manner going forward."

Mr Nash said he would be disappointed if officers at fault were not being appropriately punished.

According to separate figures, as of 30 June 2015, there were a total of 11,980 police staff in New Zealand - 9,048 constabulary staff and 2,932 non-sworn staff.

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